Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast Responding to The New York Times
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Oct 16, 2025 Delve into the world of credit card rewards as the hosts challenge The New York Times’ take on strategy vs. exploitation. Discover the nuances of churning versus long-term card strategies and learn how to stack rewards effectively. They tackle the myths surrounding credit scores and share the risks of responsible use. Is this a lucrative hobby or just numbers on a screen? The hosts provide insights into the community benefits of points accumulation and debunk the notion that it harms others, while encouraging smart, disciplined approaches to maximize value.
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Smart Use, Not Exploitation
- Miles-and-points is using credit intelligently within the banks' rules, not exploiting loopholes.
- Justin and Darren frame it as responsible arbitrage that rewards smart participation in the system.
Keep Cards, Spread Applications
- Do keep cards long-term rather than repeatedly opening and closing the same card to avoid churn pitfalls.
- Spread applications and use business cards to separate personal credit and protect score health.
Shift Spend, Avoid New Expenses
- Do shift existing spend to new cards and use bonus categories instead of spending extra money to meet minimums.
- Try creative spend only when you lack organic spend or run a business where large purchases are normal.