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Category“Charitable clumping” is a clever marketing campaign, not a tax planning strategy
The 2017 Republican smash-and-grab tax reform bill made two related changes to individual tax deductions:
The standard deduction was raised to 12,000 for individuals and 24,000 ..
Singapore Airlines – Meh
Singapore Airlines has a reputation as one of the best airlines in the world. I’ve flown them a few times over the years and have never been too impressed. A few days ago, I fl..
Can you use this one weird old trick to get more value from World of Hyatt Globalist status?
Last year in one of my subscribers-only newsletters I suggested the possibility that you could enjoy the benefits of top-tier World of Hyatt Globalist status after the official e..
Cathay Pacific First Class: Bad Sleep, Good Everything Else
Ever since AA increased first class award price to Asia zone 2 from 67,500 to 110,000 miles, I’ve opted for business class across the Pacific. Today I was reunited with Cathay P..
Arriving in HKG? Use the Priority Pass ARRIVAL Lounge
This is just a quick note that the Plaza Premium Arrival Lounge in Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 2 is now part of Priority Pass. That wasn’t always the case – I know ..
East Coast / West Coast: Travel to Hawaii With Miles (West Coast Edition)
Today we’ll start a new series here on Milenomics. East Coast / West Coast will be an occasional series where Robert and I discuss something related to points and miles
If you care about deficits, this is what you should care about
I do not, as a rule, care about the United States budget deficit. This is for three main reasons:
the United States issues dollar-denominated debt, and so has no risk of
Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort – the Ultimate Low Category Luxury
I’ve stayed at a lot of nice hotels. So when something stands out these days, it’s saying something. Le Meridien (“LM”) Chiang Rai is such a standout for me – a genuine 5 star ..
All(?) 24 non-lounge Priority Pass locations
Longtime readers know that once I start thinking about a project I’m not satisfied until I’ve completely exhausted it. Over the last couple days I’ve written about non-lounge Pri..
Follow-up on non-lounge Priority Pass locations
After I posted a reminder on Saturday to enroll your Hilton Ascend American Express cards in Priority Pass, I did a little more digging into the non-lounge Priority Pass locations
Enroll your Hilton Honors Ascend American Express in Priority Pass
If you already carried a Hilton Honors Surpass American Express card, or if you recently signed up for a Hilton Honors Ascend card, one benefit it’s easy to overlook are
5 Things I Loved About Luang Prabang
I just wrapped up 3 days in Luang Prabang, Laos. Like those who went before me, I absoluetly loved it and expect it to be one of the places I rave about going forward. Despite ..
Is intergenerational advice possible?
Canadian philosophy professor and YouTube hit Jordan Peterson recently attracted some attention when he published a book called “12 Rules For Life: An Antidote to Chaos,” and a n..
Who Is Brandon and Why Does He Ask So Many Questions?
One of the new series of posts here on Milenomics since Robert’s joined the blog has been Brandon Asks. This is a series where readers ask us questions related to
Two questions about the US Bank Flexperks Visa PyeongChang Bonus FlexPoints
Between February 5 and March 10, 2018, US Bank is again running an Olympics promotional signup bonus for the Flexperks Travel Rewards card, offering 25,000 bonus Flexpoints when ..
Lemoney.com Deal Debriefing
Today we’re renewing an old series here on Milenomics; The Deal Debriefing. I’m a big believer that discussing deals after the fact is a great way to learn from each
Should you use the Vanguard 529 Plan?
State-sponsored 529 savings plans are tax-advantaged estate planning tools that can also be used to save for “higher education” expenses, a category which was recently expanded t..
Where to see REAL Alms Giving in Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is a special place where tradition lives on. Saffron-robed monks are easily spotted in temples along the streets and beyond, going about their daily lives. It’s b..
The logic and illogic of Delta award pricing
I mentioned earlier in the week that I’m planning a summer trip to the Czech Republic, and discussed some different strategies I’m considering for booking our first few nights in
You got your tax cut. Now what?
I had an interesting exchange in the comments of this post with reader sh on the subject of portfolio protection. I won’t relitigate the question here since you can go
The First Step to Take to Be Your Own Elite
Exciting News
This January 1 I re-qualified for another 12 months of the Milenomics BYOE program. That’s right, 12 more months of this program level (Titanium). I won’t do near..
The forgotten joy of booking independent hotels
I’m currently in the middle of planning a summer trip to the Czech Republic to revisit some of my old haunts and check out the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
I Feel Sorry For People Earning Hotel Points Primarily Through Modest, Unbonused Stays
AKA “normal people”. A friend just stayed in a Hyatt for ~9 days, spending over $700 before taxes (“eligible amount”). He excitedly logged in to his account to see how many poi..