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
17 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.
37 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.
11 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!
39 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.
21 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 41min
131. Unpopular Opinion: Top 5 Reasons You Should Book Travel Through a Credit Card Travel Portal
Think credit card travel portals are a bad idea? Think again! Explore five compelling reasons why they might actually save you money and boost your rewards. From maximizing points-earning potential to unlocking exclusive travel credits, the advantages are intriguing. Discover how different premium credit cards can enhance your booking strategy, and learn when a travel portal booking can be more beneficial than traditional methods. Get ready to turn your everyday expenses into incredible travel experiences!
7 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 39min
130. Top 5 Reasons to Avoid Booking Travel Through Credit Card Travel Portals
Discover why booking travel through credit card portals can lead to costly mistakes. Learn about the hidden downsides, like lost elite status perks and expensive rebookings, that travelers often face. Uncover how using points through these portals can seriously devalue your rewards—sometimes by 10x! Hear compelling real-world stories that illustrate the pitfalls of relying on third-party platforms. Plus, find out how booking directly can maximize your travel benefits and savings!
9 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 30min
129. Fan Favorite: The Psychology of Learning & Mastering Points Travel
Dive into the fascinating psychology behind mastering points travel! Explore the Dunning-Kruger Effect and its impact on confidence in this rewarding hobby. Discover the stages of competence that travelers go through while learning to effectively use rewards. Gain insights on how to navigate your journey from novice to expert, enhancing your experience and maximizing your travel rewards. This episode is filled with valuable tips that will change the way you approach points travel!
