Introduce yourself here!

[Beltway Explorers]

I'm Rachel from DC. While I got the SPG AmEx almost 10 years ago, I earned most of my points from business travel and actual spend on the card. When I needed to top off my balances for my honeymoon a few years ago I discovered credit card sign up bonuses and haven't looked back. I mostly stick to deals that I can do from my computer and a few at the local Staples.

 

[TravMomof2]

Hi! I'm a mother of 2 (obviously) kids ages almost 6 & 7. I just started collecting miles and points "on purpose" about 5 mths ago. I've had the UA card for 9 yrs and used it and the miles I got with it but I never really tried to do anything outside of basic spend and still only used the card sparingly. Now I'm all in! I need to maximize miles/points for family travel. Hopefully we can learn from each other, what works, what doesn't.

Favorite locations that I return to over and over (so far): Chicago (family but I still love it there), London, Laguna Beach

Main Airline is UA but ready to fly partner airlines.

Upcoming trips: Disneyworld (Spring), Maui/Laguna Beach (Summer)- IAH-OGG with LAX as a stopover (using UA miles and SPG points), San Francisco/Seattle (Fall)- going to try to use a stopover to hit both from Houston (we'll see if it works)- using free IHG nights from current Accelerate program and Chicago (Christmas).

 

[TravMomof2]

Hi, I'm Judy, I'm a retired self employed person and I'm from beautiful San Juan Capistrano in California. When the Big Recession hit a client gave me the best advice I ever received. "The economy sucks and I can't do anything to improve it or my business, so I am going on vacation!" The more I thought about it the more sense it made and I started looking for ways to travel cheap or free and figure out how to retire when I just lost 60% of the value in my home, my savings and my business. Here I am 6 years later with 2,000,000 points and miles in my travel wallet, several exotic trips and wonderful adventures to other countries, and living near the beach planning my next adventure. It seems the worst times in my life became the best because I was forced to make changes that I would not have made if the money kept coming in. I am an old dog learning new tricks and using what I learn to improve my life.

That's amazing Judy. I was just listening to a message yesterday about when doors close, etc. That's very inspiring to me because I just checked my retirement account (I'm 37) and did the calculation on how much I need to retire at 55. Good gosh that was depressing. So reading this intro reminds me there are many possibilities in bad situations! Thanks!

Now, if I can just get 2MM miles!! Woo!! You must move quickly (cc bonuses, etc.). I'm kind of on the slow and steady path right now with ccs since I just started several months back. Regardless, 2mm miles is very impressive!

 

[Milestogo]

Of course you can do this. I move very slow and steady, I make lots of mistakes, and I learn and relearn my lessons. The first thing to learn is to use your credit card efficiently. In other words try to maximize your spend to get the most points for every purchase. I certainly take advantage of quarterly and sign up bonuses but don't close the cards out afterward. In other words, I don't churn. I live frugally at home so I can spend on vacation. I read everything I can and get new ideas daily. I started out with one credit card and it took me while to build up to multiple cards. The first time you take a trip and use your points/miles, it will motivate you to do more. Always stay within your comfort level. One of my best trips was a deal I found in the Sunday paper last January. Rite Aid Drug Store had a promotion that if you spent up to $250 in the month of January, you qualified for various rewards. One was a vacation certificate for 7 days in Tahiti. I did it and used my airline miles to fly free first class, spent 7 glorious days in Moorea with a view of Cooks Bay. I would not have been open to this idea if I was not involved in the points and miles hobby. Everyone saw the promotion but no one else took it seriously. So, my advice is just keep at it. You will improve each time you do a deal. Good luck and good travelling!

 

[Modern Nomad]

Greetings from Oklahoma City. I just got into this about six months ago. I was always one of those folks that followed the "use your CC only for emergencies" mantra. After getting an AMEX Platinum and CSP, I quickly realized how much I've been missing out on. Switching my strategy 180 degrees, I now put everything on my CCs and pay them off at the end of the month. So far I've only cashed in Chase UR. My wife was really impressed that we could fly our family of four across the country for what amounted to $5 each after cashing in points on SWA. There was no turning back after that

 

[TravMomof2]

Greetings from Oklahoma City. I just got into this about six months ago. I was always one of those folks that followed the "use your CC only for emergencies" mantra. After getting an AMEX Platinum and CSP, I quickly realized how much I've been missing out on. Switching my strategy 180 degrees, I now put everything on my CCs and pay them off at the end of the month. So far I've only cashed in Chase UR. My wife was really impressed that we could fly our family of four across the country for what amounted to $5 each after cashing in points on SWA. There was no turning back after that

Same. My husband isn't into this at all but after I told him I booked our flights for our summer (2016) vacation to Maui/S. Cali he was like, "Wait. What?" He won't go out of his way making phone calls or anything but he finally stopped all debit card charges (credit card only). Lol.

 

[v4vainglory]

Hi! My name is John and I am here to learn as much as I can about everything little on this forum and more. My judgement tells me that much of the information and sources on this forum, especially those of the admin are incredibly wise.
I have very minimal forum experience but the community here continues to give me a "hard-on for learning" the more I read.
I have just recently decided to stop ignoring Cred Karm's free credit checking advertisements; thus my appetite for developing the set of skills and knowledge to properly utilize "the trade" has sprout.
I hope to be at a level of great service one day, but as of now I'm trying to figure out the right questions to ask.
I also am/was/still kind of am passionate about rock n roll, but it has left me with lots of regret but my hair, being able to touch my belly button, definitely is not one of them.

 

[patonpoints]

Hey all! Greetings from SF, California. I'm new to this forum, but have been working on points and travel for two years now. My SO and I love traveling since it helps push us out of our comfort zones. We recently got back from a trip to Australia and New Zealand! We did Paris and Vancouver not too long ago as well.

I'm an engineer by trade, so I enjoy automation - something that is tremendously useful here!

Next trip: Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, South Korea

Looking forward to meeting you all and providing value back to the community.

 

[HariOm]

Welcome to the Forum everyone.

 

[fpguy]

Hi everyone,

New to this forum and about 3 months into the game itself. I'm a fast learner and have already made around 200,000 UR points. Like some others in this thread I am a developer and work on systems with various degrees of complexity. After countless hours of reading there is still so much more to learn but that's what makes this fun. I like analyzing systems for the strengths and weaknesses and then using them to my advantage. This game suits me perfectly.

 

[Gabe870]

Hey, I'm Gabe.

I'm a young programmer from Maryland.
I have a strong interest in personal finance, and recently entered the CC/MS game (after graduating and gaining an income).
I'm interested in learning and sharing techniques for financial reasonability, and travel rewards.

I spent about 2 months backpacking in Asia this past summer. It was an amazing experience, and I would suggest it to anyone!
I travelled to Thailand, Indonesia (mostly the island of Bali), and Korea.
Feel free to ask about the trip! I'm a strong proponent of couch surfing, and meeting locals.

Anyways, I look forward to posting with you all!
-Gabe

 

[Vic Diaz]

Hey guys i'm Victor.

Im a software engineering consultant from Dallas. Love Personal Finance and I am really enticed in the Financial Independence Retire Early strategies. I was looking to pay my mortgage with a CC and ran into this whole thing about MS and I am super interested to get started. My wife and I love travel but with the pursuit of eliminating debt all our disposable income is usually tied up there so I am very interested on how I can reduce my spending costs. I look forward to learning with you all!

 

[kwshannon]

Hello, I'm Kerry.

I've done a couple of new cards using MS. I've had a friend help me learn the basics. I've focused on travel - hotels and airline cards. Planning to replace a couple of cards next year when they come due with new offers. Every week seems like the options change, so looking forward to learning and sharing. Thanks.

 

[Soc Rates]

Hi all, I am new to the forum and to travel hacking. I've been in this hobby for less than a month now. I look forward to learning from and contributing to the forum.

 

[Evan MArks]

Hi - Evan in CT - Just looking to learn more and be able to meet the minimum spend on a few cards. Not earth shattering but want to visit San Diego this summer with my family and would like it to cost as little as possible.

 

[tterrill]

Greetings everyone! I am Tina (rhymes with China, not like Teena). I live in MD and work in DC. I am not new to miles and points, but I still feel like a beginner at this hobby. I have been taking things slowly since life is so busy that I don't always have the time or brain power required for complicated gigs. I was introduced to Saverocity at FT4RL, and I am looking forward to learning new things. Thanks!

 

[misty]

Hi, I'am Misty.

Have done some travel hacking and taken a few good trips am interested in finding out more about reselling and other opportunities. Live in the Denver area.
Hope to contribute on the blog when I can add value.

 

[SharonG]

Hi, I'm Sharon and checking in from Germany and Tenerife (Canary Islands). Although I'm originally from NYC, I've lived in Europe for a lot of years ... moved here after finishing college and was an opera singer until I retired a few years ago. It's harder to really get involved in the accumulation of lots of miles and points in Europe but, since I am able to use my sister's address in the U.S. and have had a U.S. bank account for a many years, I have started on the track of sign-up bonuses. After the first card application was accepted it got easier for the following ones. I'm a real bargain hunter and we (DH and I) have done lots of cruising and flights cheaply, and now many IHG & Carlson nights for free.

I'm really looking forward to learning AND participating here @Saverocity.

 

[kijo]

Hi, I have been participating in the hobby of earning points and miles to maximize travel opportunities for minimum cost for several years. Along the way I have picked up several methods of MS (as they have come and gone), reselling, bargain hunting, etc. I look forward to learning more about travel opportunities and financial tips.

 

[travel4less]

Hi y'all! I'm Kathy from Mississippi. I've been at this for awhile, but out to learn more and keep up as the game changes. I met a few folks at FT4RL 3 and hope to contribute when I can.

 

[Jslectronic]

Hi I'm Jake from California, I had used miles after college to go to europe and a few times in the interim to fly domestic first class (by default because prices were high and saver econ space wasn't available). Got more into the hobby after returning from europe last summer and realizing my wife and i could've made our great vacation a little bit nicer if we had splurged on better hotels (or premium flights). Have gotten started with bluebird and a little bit of FBA. Still feel like there's a ton too learn

 

[Briankolee]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum, and keen on both gaining and providing insight on MS overseas.

 

[suljaga13]

Greetings everyone. My name is Suljaga, and I am looking forward to contributing to this forum, and learning from it as well. Up untill now I semi-actively red few blogs. I am fairly new to the hobby, 6 months tops.

 

[gotmilk]

Greetings everyone. I came over from the reddit after a community member recommended I joined. Looking to contribute to this community with MS strategies.

 

[AndyP]

I'm Andy from Denver and I started this hobby a year ago and am in it for the long haul. I've experienced my share of failures and had some fun discoveries as well (CC for variable load, CC for vanillas at gas stations that actually code as gas, and some interesting loopholes for the Disco AP promo). My philosophy is you've got to be willing to make the time investment and take some hits if you want to get good at this hobby not just read what's posted on blogs.

 

[daprophecy]

Hi all, I have been doing this for about 3 years and wanted try different ventures, learn new things, and help when I can. My main goals are to fly free and make money (don't we all? ) Looking to contribute when I can.

 

[solosterkatz]

Hi everyone, I'm Sol. I live in Durham, NC with my wife and 2 boys. We are avid travelers and our life was completely changed when we discovered MS a few years ago. Our involvement in the hobby certainly evolved over time but the basics remained more or less the same until the recent negative developments (RIP Serve). Given the new landscape, and the likely challenges that lie ahead, I'm very interested in getting to know the community better and sharing ideas in a less public forum than the blogs that I've typically commented on in the past. I'm excited to get to know everyone here!

 

[Touristtrap]

Hi, my name is Denis and I live in Atlanta, GA. I have been collecting and spending (some) miles and points for a little bit over a year.

As a busy professional I feel I need to achieve a more focused and efficient approach to this game.

Fair warning: English is my second language.

 

[kurtis]

Hey everyone, my name is Kurtis. I haven't been in this game very long, less than a year at the moment. Thus far I have thoroughly enjoyed most every aspect of it, and want to delve deeper. I'm currently in engineering school, working as a lab tech, and living in the suburbs of Detroit.

Goals are to become reasonably knowledgeable in earning points and investing (and hopefully accomplishing both at the same time). Really I'm here to learn as much as I can and be as helpful as I can.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in advance for the insight I'm positive I'll receive from the community (though I'm sure no one is coming and reading the introductions anyway).

 

[singerbabe]

Hello! I'm Robin and like Denis above I have been collecting and spending miles for a little over a year. I have spent my adult life "living to work" - enough of that nonsense! Thanks for the welcome and I look forward to becoming more involved in the community.

 

[zeppoloveskafka]

Hey Dave here. Been churning credit cards for about 6 years. Things got serious about 3 years ago when Citizens Bank sent me a 10% cash back offer and all of the sudden I'm carting $8000 worth of $20s into the bank every few days just to save one day over ACH transfers.

I enjoy the game and challenge. There are some areas I'm pretty knowledgeable, and others I'm not, so I'm looking forward to pooling resources...helping newer players to the game, and getting help myself where needed.

 

[JoNellie]

Joanne here in chicago.

New to manufactured spend (my three month old serve card just got shuttered) but not new (though by no means expert) in loyalty points programs. Look forward to learning and sharing what is helpful.

 

[bewareofduck]

Hi everyone. My name is Danielle and I live in MD. I have one more year of classes before I take the CPA exam, with the eventual goal of earning the PFS Personal Financial Specialist qualification. I've always been interested in personal finance, but became more involved with credit cards and finding loopholes when I decided to pay off my student loans interest-free with 0% balance transfers. I've been MSing for two and a half years and look forward to learning and contributing to this community.

 

[treetopunknown]

Hello everyone. My name is Josh. I'm a father of two boys and both my wife and I are special education teachers so we all have the same vacation schedule. My first card was a Marriott Chase last year before a road trip to hit all the east coast states and a drive around Lake Michigan hitting as many Theme parks as possible. Started researching this topic which led me here, ready to learn all I can.

 

[philip66]

Hi, I'm Philip from Florida. Been doing MS for about a year now. Just started getting into the bank checking accounts about 6 months ago. Looking forward to learning and contributing where I can. Thanks for the forum to do this!