Point Me To First Class
Devon Gimbel MD
Point Me to First Class is a show for employed professionals, solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and business owners with higher-than-average personal and/or business expenses who want to learn to leverage them into credit card points to spend on travel. Your expenses are your greatest untapped asset - but learning how to use them to travel the world doesn't have to be confusing or complicated.
Each week, Devon Gimbel shares valuable tips, tools, and strategies to help you uplevel your skills earning and redeeming credit card points and shows you how to spend them on incredible travel experiences.
Interested in learning more about working with Devon? Visit www.pointmetofirstclass.com to learn more.
This podcast is for you if you find yourself asking questions like:
How do I earn credit card points and use them for travel?
How can I make my expenses benefit me?
How can I earn as many credit card points for as little spending as possible?
How to maximize value from credit card points.
How to earn credit card points for travel.
Turn credit card points into travel.
Each week, Devon Gimbel shares valuable tips, tools, and strategies to help you uplevel your skills earning and redeeming credit card points and shows you how to spend them on incredible travel experiences.
Interested in learning more about working with Devon? Visit www.pointmetofirstclass.com to learn more.
This podcast is for you if you find yourself asking questions like:
How do I earn credit card points and use them for travel?
How can I make my expenses benefit me?
How can I earn as many credit card points for as little spending as possible?
How to maximize value from credit card points.
How to earn credit card points for travel.
Turn credit card points into travel.
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 6min
141. Listener Q&A: Canceling Cards, Transfer Partner Confusion & Shopping Portals vs. Welcome Bonuses
This podcast dives into your burning questions about points and miles. Discover the ins and outs of transferring points between airlines, as well as whether that old United card is still worth keeping. Learn the pros and cons of co-branded versus transferable cards for better earning potential. Get insights on maximizing welcome bonuses against shopping portals, and understand the value of the Mesa card. Plus, a handy framework for choosing the best award booking program makes strategy simple and effective. Tune in to up your travel game!
21 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 49min
140. Points Path: The Tool That Shows You the Best Value for Every Flight
Join Julian Kheel, founder of PointsPath and former editorial director at The Points Guy, as he dives into the world of travel rewards. Discover how his browser extension simplifies the decision of using cash or points for flights. Julian discusses the importance of real-time alerts for award price drops and the unique integration with Google Flights. Learn about trends in award travel, why simplicity is key, and tips for booking smarter. With over a decade in the field, Julian's insights empower travelers to make the best booking decisions.
22 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 56min
139. Stack Shopping Portals and Card Offers for Bigger Rewards with Savewise
Avneesh Kohli, founder of SaveWise and a tech entrepreneur with experience at companies like Microsoft and Instagram, shares insights on optimizing online shopping rewards. He discusses how SaveWise simplifies the often tedious process of comparing shopping portals and card-linked offers. Avneesh explains the importance of automation for maximizing points effortlessly and highlights features like offer alerts and stacking benefits. The conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their rewards strategy, especially during holiday shopping.
30 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 2min
138. How to Track, Manage, and Maximize Your Credit Cards with Travel Freely
Zac Hood, the founder of Travel Freely, shares insights on managing credit card rewards efficiently. He explains how his background in education inspired the creation of an app that tracks spending and bonuses, simplifying the often overwhelming world of points and miles. Zac discusses the importance of beginner-friendly resources and how his app automates reminders for deadlines and fee management. He also highlights the evolving rewards landscape and the profound personal and financial benefits that strategic travel planning can bring.
46 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 42min
137. Stop Guessing, Start Earning: How CardPointers Does the Work for You with Emmanuel Crouvisier
Emmanuel Crouvisier, the creator of CardPointers, discusses his innovative app designed to simplify credit card usage. He shares how CardPointers helps users identify the best card for purchases, track bonus categories, and manage recurring credits without the hassle of spreadsheets. Emmanuel reveals how the app has expanded features during the pandemic, including offer alerts and auto-activation of credits. He highlights how users can save an average of $750 yearly and emphasizes the importance of automation in maximizing rewards and reducing financial stress.
22 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 59min
136. Mini Retirements: Redefining How You Work, Rest, and Live with Jillian Johnsrud
Jillian Johnsrud, an author and coach advocating for 'mini retirements,' challenges the traditional 9-to-5 lifestyle. She reveals how these breaks can combat burnout and foster personal growth. Jillian discusses the vital distinction between vacations and mini retirements, emphasizing the importance of a deeper recovery. With tips on engaging employers and planning financially, she shares her transformative experiences, from therapy to national park adventures. These mini retreats are framed as crucial investments in self-care and life satisfaction.
20 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 1min
135. Amex Platinum Cards Refresh: What's New, What's Missing, and What We Really Think
In this discussion, Kelly, known as The Points and Miles Doc, delves into American Express's recent updates to its Platinum Cards following Chase's refresh. They dissect the higher annual fees and the newly added credits, particularly the $600 hotel credit and tiered large-spend perks. Kelly points out the lack of bonus categories still plaguing the personal Platinum card, while praising the business version's 2X on large purchases over $5,000. They ultimately assess the value of these changes for both personal and business users.
52 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 29min
134. The New Era of Award Travel: What's Changing and How to Adapt
Discover how the landscape of award travel is shifting rapidly, with tighter rules from credit card issuers and changing transfer ratios. Learn the importance of adapting to new earning and redemption strategies as airlines reclaim premium award spaces for loyal members. Uncover the four essential skills needed to navigate this new reality, from mastering transfer partners to utilizing advanced search tools. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting out, there are still incredible values to be unlocked!
44 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 49min
133. 7 Keys to Better Award Flight Bookings
Discover how to unlock the full potential of your credit card points for unforgettable travel. Learn the seven essential keys to booking award flights, including the importance of transfer partners and maximizing airline alliances. Master the intricacies of flight searches and explore strategies to save significant amounts on your travels. Hear personal journeys that show how mastering points can lead to transformative cultural experiences. This guide will change your approach to booking travel for the better!
18 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 4min
132. From Frustration to $150K in Points Redemptions
Dr. Faryal Michaud, a palliative care physician from Honolulu, transformed her travel experiences from confusion to booking over $150,000 in luxurious trips by mastering credit card points. She shares her journey of overcoming frustration and her first successful redemptions that empowered her. Tune in to hear about her unforgettable adventures to the Maldives, South Africa, and Tahiti. Faryal highlights the valuable skills she acquired that turned her expenses into points, opening the door to a lifetime of extraordinary travel experiences.
