All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life

#298: Chris breaks down how to earn airline miles and transferable points on money you’re already saving or investing (and whether the rewards are actually worth the tradeoffs). He compares mileage-earning bank accounts from Bask, United and Alaska, the new Bank of America and Alaska transfer partnership, Silo’s brokerage rewards program, and Symphony’s higher-yield approach. Plus, the welcome offers ending this fall that change the first-year math, and a short interview with Symphony's founders. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/earn-points-on-savings/ Partner Deals NetSuite: ⁠Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance LMNT: ⁠Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web Zocdoc: Find and instantly book a doctor you love today MasterClass: ⁠Learn from the world's best with 15% off For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Silo Markets⁠ (← 250k Bonus) ⁠Symphony⁠ (← Referral Bonus) ⁠Bask Bank Atmos debit card (← 20% off coupon) Odynn point.me ATH Podcast #131: Maximize Earnings on Cash, CD Ladders, Bank Bonuses, Bulk Buying, and Automating Returns #195: 50+ Ways to Earn More Points and Miles Without Spending More #262: Points & Miles in 2026: What's New, What's Dying & What's Next with Brian M #288: Where to Keep Your Cash for the Highest Return Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:50) How to Earn Points on Your Savings (05:01) Bank Accounts That Pay Airline Miles (05:41) Earning American Miles with Bask Bank (14:13) Why United's Mileage Debit Card Falls Short (17:09) Alaska’s Upcoming Rewards Banking Account (17:48) Boosting Bank of America Points, Now Transferable to Alaska (20:29) How Silo Pays Points on Your Brokerage Account (26:22) Changes Coming to Silo on November 1st (32:40) Silo's New Welcome Bonus (35:52) Can You Trust Silo With Your Investments? (36:31) Earning 5% or 5X Points with Symphony (38:52) Where Your Money Actually Goes at Symphony (39:22) Bucket 1: Treasury Bills (40:18) Bucket 2: CLOs (41:37) Bucket 3: Private Credit (43:24) Bucket 4: Crypto Lending (46:20) Pooled Accounts and SIPC Protection (46:57) What the Crypto Wallet Does (and Doesn't) Protect (47:33) How Fast You Can Get Your Money Out (49:17) Risk #1: The Rate Gets Cut (49:55) Risk #2: Withdrawals Slow Down (50:17) Risk #3: You Lose Part of Your Investment (51:05) Risk #4: An FTX-Style Collapse (51:49) My Overall Take on Symphony (54:21) Breaking Down Symphony's Welcome Offer (57:04) Recap: Mileage Bank Accounts (58:38) Recap: Silo (59:57) Recap: Symphony (01:02:02) Interview with Symphony's Founders (01:04:01) How Symphony Layers Its Risk Protection (01:08:02) What Happens If Everyone Withdraws at Once (01:09:54) Why the Blockchain Ledger Matters If Symphony Goes Away (01:16:15) What’s Next: Transfer Partners, Experiences and AI Booking Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#297: Learn how to turn small talk, awkward encounters, and everyday logistics into conversations that actually matter. Chris and Vanessa explore the chemistry behind great conversations, how to find the topics that make people light up, and the three levels of conversation that lead to deeper connection. Vanessa Van Edwards is a behavioral researcher, bestselling author of Captivate and Cues, and founder of Science of People. She teaches at Harvard, and her new book, Conversation: How to Connect with Anyone and Make Every Interaction Count, is available now. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/vanessa-van-edwards-better-conversations/ Partner Deals Bilt Rewards: ⁠Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today Gusto: ⁠Free 3-month trial of the #1 payroll software Fabric: ⁠Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Vanessa: Website | X | Instagram | YouTube Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication Conversation: How to Connect with Anyone and Make Every Interaction Count ProSocial Research and Frameworks Dr. Dan McAdams CANDOR Corpus Malcolm Gladwell's MasterClass Shows and People SmartLess podcast (with Sacha Baron Cohen) The Howard Stern Show ATH Podcast #46: Mastering the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication with Vanessa Van Edwards #256: The Easy Way to Build and Maintain Meaningful Relationships with Nick Gray #123: Traveling to Save Money, Betting on Yourself, and Streamlining Life Decisions with Nuseir Yassin Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:45) How to Make Every Conversation Matter (02:12) The DOS Cocktail: The Chemistry of a Great Conversation (05:15) Turning Everyday Interactions Into Meaningful Conversations (14:05) Treating Small Talk Like a Treasure Hunt (15:31) How to Start a Meaningful Conversation (20:53) Can Conversational Courage Go Too Far? (23:08) A Framework for Asking Better Questions (27:01) Why You Can't Skip Straight to Deep Conversation (30:20) Level 1: General Traits (32:11) Level 2: Personal Concerns (32:40) Level 3: Your Self-Narrative (34:48) How to Be Conversationally Generous (37:18) What to Do When You're Just Not Clicking (38:54) How to Become a Better Conversational Storyteller (41:18) Turning Any Conversation Into a Chance to Learn (43:04) Mindset Tricks for Warmer, Easier Conversations (47:00) How to Know If You’re Talking Too Much (51:31) Why Some "Great" Questions Are Actually Hard to Answer (53:35) The Ideal Length of a Conversational Turn (55:12) How Talking to AI Is Changing How We Talk to People (58:53) Using AI to Become a Better Conversationalist (01:01:02) Deeper Conversations With Your Partner (Beyond the Logistics) (01:07:51) Did This Feel Like a Real Conversation? (01:08:35) What to Expect from Vanessa's New Book Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#296: You're probably overpaying for cell service, and switching could save you hundreds of dollars a year without sacrificing coverage or features. Chris breaks down what's changed with the big carriers and MVNOs, the math behind "free phone" deals, the few features only AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile still offer, and his shortlist of the best unlimited plans. He also shares the cheapest backup line for two-factor texts, a $20 home internet backup, how to think about cell phone insurance, and the smartest way to buy a new iPhone. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/best-cell-phone-plans-2026 Partner Deals Quince: Affordable luxury essentials with free shipping + 365 day returns Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web Zocdoc: Find and instantly book a doctor you love today For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Carriers & Plans US Mobile (← Get $30 off) Total Wireless Mint Mobile Visible Backup Lines & Backup Internet RedPocket Tello MobileX Keepgo (← Get 1GB free) Roamless UniFi 5G Max Tools for Comparing Plans & Coverage BestPhonePlans Coverage Map Cell Phone Insurance AKKO Buying a New iPhone DON'T Buy Your iPhone 18 Pro Max From Your Carrier (Buy From Here Instead) Apple Shortcut to Change Active SIM Card Swappa ATH Podcast #138: Optimizing Cell Phone Plans: The Best Carriers, Deals, Plans, Insider Pricing, Insurance and More! #284: 20+ Credit Card Benefits You’re Probably Not Using Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:53) The Current State of Cell Phone Plans (05:40) Why Major Carriers Are So Expensive (11:55) Features You Can Only Get From Major Carriers (13:46) How to Pick the Right Network for Where You Live (14:48) What Is Premium Data and Does It Matter? (16:22) Understanding Video Streaming Limits (16:46) How Much High-Speed Data Do You Need? (16:59) Comparing Hotspot Data (17:08) International Coverage, Tablets & Smartwatches (17:18) The Best Alternatives to Major Carriers (19:40) The Cheapest Unlimited Plan: Mint Mobile (20:29) US Mobile Starter on AT&T (Dark Star) (22:06) Total Wireless Max 5G on Verizon (22:56) How Much More You Get for $25–$32 a Month (24:42) Why Chris Is Switching to US Mobile Unlimited Premium (25:21) Visible Plus Pro: A Steal if the Promo Pricing Lasts (28:41) The Bottom Line on the Best Affordable Plans (29:43) US Mobile’s Killer Multi-Network Feature (35:19) Choosing Between Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile on US Mobile (36:58) The Cheapest Backup Line for Two-Factor Texts (38:30) Setting Up Cellular Backup Internet at Home (41:29) Cell Phone Insurance: Credit Cards vs. AppleCare vs. Carrier Plans (44:44) How to Get the Best Deal on a New iPhone Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#295: Chris shares the strategies he actually uses to earn, spend, and maximize millions of points and miles. He breaks down how many credit cards most people really need, his approach to booking award travel for a family, the rise of massive card-member flight discounts, when to pay cash vs. points, and some of his favorite—and most unusual—redemptions. Meghan Coyle and Sally French are the hosts of NerdWallet's Smart Travel podcast, a weekly show on travel news, loyalty programs and travel credit cards that helps listeners travel more and pay less. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/award-flights-card-strategy-nerdwallet Partner Deals Gusto: ⁠Free 3-month trial of the #1 payroll software Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth LMNT: ⁠Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Wispr Flow: ⁠Try effortless voice dictation for free Bilt Rewards: ⁠Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned NerdWallet Smart Travel podcast Meghan Coyle Sally French Award Search & Points Tools Seats.aero PointsPath (15% off with ALLTHEHACKS15) PointsYeah Shopping Portals, Gift Cards & Offers Rakuten Capital One Shopping Rove GCX SavenDeals ATH Podcast #290: The New Rules of Points & Miles in 2026 with Brian M Chris' Credit Card Optimizer Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:06) How Chris Got Into Points & Miles (05:01) When Chris Became a Points & Miles “Expert” (07:25) Paying for a Wedding Video With Delta Miles (13:38) Why Chasing an Extra Point per Dollar Doesn't Move the Needle (15:34) The Optimal Two-Card Strategy (16:50) Maximizing Points Without Overspending (19:52) Should You Buy Gift Cards to Earn More Points? (22:36) Booking Award Travel for a Family (25:06) Chris’ Strategy for Finding Award Flights (27:34) Leveraging Flexibility and Award Search Tools (31:45) What to Do With Points If You Don't Want to Play the Game (34:30) Setting Alerts and Picking One Award Search Tool (37:01) The Huge Discounts Hidden Behind Airline Credit Cards (39:21) The Risks of Speculative Bookings (41:08) When Chris Breaks His Own Transfer Rule (45:15) The Easiest Way to Redeem Points When You Don't Want the Hobby (47:17) Are Hotel Redemptions Easier Than Flights? (51:07) The Real Math Behind Cash vs. Points (55:02) Chris's Rule of Thumb for Comparing Cash and Points (56:12) A Trick for Getting Refunds on Flights You Need to Cancel (59:03) Chris’ Take on the New Southwest Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#294: Chris breaks down everything he's learned going all in on World of Hyatt. He covers the brands and footprint, earning points with Hyatt credit cards and transfers, what points are really worth, every status tier and milestone reward, and how to get Globalist treatment without having status. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/world-of-hyatt-deep-dive/ Partner Deals ElevenLabs: Build an experience your customers will love Copilot Money: ⁠Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 MasterClass: ⁠Learn from the world's best with 15% off DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web NetSuite: ⁠Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned World of Hyatt Gondola Frequent Miler Reasonable Redemption Values rooms.aero seats.aero Hyatt Concierge on X ATH Podcast #167: Best Tools for Booking Hotels with Points & Miles with Greg the Frequent Miler Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:48) The World of Hyatt (08:05) Where Hyatt Is (and Isn't) Around the World (12:17) How the World of Hyatt Program Works (15:51) Earning Points with Hyatt Experiences (16:23) Transferring Points from Credit Cards (17:43) Earning Points with Hyatt Personal and Business Credit Cards (26:07) Why Buying Points Is Rarely a Good Deal (26:46) Maximizing Hyatt Promotions (27:21) Earning Points with Peloton (28:06) Converting Aeroplan and American Points (30:41) Understanding Hyatt Status Tiers (35:51) Guest of Honor Awards (36:55) Getting Globalist Perks on Paid Stays with Hyatt Privé (38:41) Using Points to Upgrade Your Room (39:05) Milestone Rewards: 20 and 30 Nights (41:00) 40 Nights: Guest of Honor and the Suite Upgrade Award (43:14) 50 and 60 Nights: Reaching Globalist (44:30) 70 to 150 Nights: Milestones Beyond Globalist (46:18) Transferring Awards and Certificates to Others (47:40) The Hyatt Brand Explorer Program (50:31) Fast Tracking Status with Hyatt Challenges (53:20) How Far Should You Go for Status? (53:53) What Are Hyatt Points Really Worth? (58:53) How Bad Was the May Devaluation? (01:00:51) A Fun Hack for All-Inclusives (01:01:12) How to Find Hyatt Award Availability (01:02:52) Getting Discounts and Perks on Cash Stays (01:04:14) Hyatt's Best Rate Guarantee Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices