All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life

Hosted by Chris Hutchins

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Aug 2026

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Never leave money on the table. This is your shortcut to upgrading your life, money and travel—all while spending less and saving more. Get tactical moves and deep dives into designing a life you’re excited about. Host Chris Hutchins is a life hacker who has saved millions by breaking down every aspect of life and looking to maximize happiness at the lowest cost. Chris and guests like Tim Ferriss, Tony Hawk, Codie Sanchez and Gary Vaynerchuk are here to deliver smart strategies you can plug into your own life—from a money hack that increases your net worth, to a routine change that boosts your productivity.

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August 12, 20261 hr 8 min

The New Rules of Points & Miles in 2026 with Brian M

#290: Chris and Brian break down the biggest trends reshaping points and miles. They discuss new ways to earn transferable points without a credit card, the award search tools worth using right now, a six-month check-in on Bilt, and what's coming next for premium cards. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/new-rules-points-miles-2026/⁠ Partner Deals DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web NetSuite: ⁠Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today Trust & Will: ⁠Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans 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 Award Search & Points Tools Seats.aero Points Path (15% off with ALLTHEHACKS15) PointsYeah Earning Points Beyond Credit Cards Symphony Silo Markets Rove X Money ATH Podcast #89: Booking Flights with Points and All Things Award Travel with Tiffany Funk #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: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:49) Why 2026 Feels Different and Reasons to Stay Hopeful (02:26) Credit Card Interest Rate Caps Never Materialized (03:20) Why Debit Rewards Cards Are Becoming More Interesting (05:58) Six Months Into Southwest’s Transformation (13:14) Are Credit Card Retention Offers Drying Up? (14:23) The Unbundling of Airfare Keeps Expanding (15:25) Could Award Flights Lose Their Flexibility? (17:14) Foreign Airline Programs Push Into the US Market (19:58) Hotel Award Inflation (and What Cash Prices Reveal) (27:31) Banks Crack Down on Points Gaming (30:32) Qatar's New Restrictions on Booking for Others (32:54) New Ways to Earn Transferable Points Without Credit Cards (36:16) The Best Tools for Points & Miles (40:35) Why Cardholder Pricing Is Becoming a Bigger Advantage (42:04) United's New Cards and the Truth About "10% Off" (44:01) Transfer Bonuses and the Risk of Speculative Transfers (49:06) American’s Changes to Partner Award Availability (49:56) Pooling Airline Miles With Family (52:12) Brian's Biggest Prediction for the Year Ahead (55:23) Six Months Later: Is Bilt Delivering? (01:00:31) Will We See More Premium Credit Cards? (01:03:19) Is There Still Hope for U.S. Bank Transfer Partners? (01:04:53) What’s Next for the Amex Green Card? (01:05:31) Just Let the Points Coupons Go 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

August 5, 20261 hr 27 min

How We Booked a $20,000 Vacation With Points

Chris and Amy booked a last-minute week in Bora Bora that would have cost over $20,000, almost entirely on points. They break down how it came together, why they chose Bora Bora over Fiji, the Marriott award search quirk that hid available rooms, flying business class in both directions by mixing two airlines, and using card travel credits on the inter-island flights. Then, three nights in, they decided to abandon the deal and pay more to switch resorts. They compare and rank the major Bora Bora resorts, weigh points versus cash, and explain what makes French Polynesia one of the easiest long-haul trips from the West Coast. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/bora-bora-on-points-2026/ Partner Deals Haven: Skip the waitlist for the best sauna. Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Thrive Market: ⁠30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift Bilt Rewards: ⁠Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Superhuman: ⁠Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Hotels & Resorts Hotel Upgrade Program The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Conrad Bora Bora Nui The Brando Le Taha'a Nanuku Resort Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Products Monopoly Deal Health & Sauna Research Bryan Johnson — Is Sauna ACTUALLY Good For You? (90-Day Experiment) ATH Podcast #285: Why Net Fulfillment Beats Net Worth with Bill Perkins #287: Putting Die With Zero Into Practice with Brad Barrett 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: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:09) How a Kid-Free Trip Came Together (03:33) How Chris and Amy Choose Vacation Destinations (13:09) Why French Polynesia Over Fiji (14:59) Booking The Westin (20:43) Flying Business Class Both Ways on Two Different Airlines (26:22) Air Tahiti Nui and the Inter-Island Flights (31:15) A Surprise First Class Upgrade on Air Moana (32:47) Arriving in Bora Bora and Checking Into The Westin (34:29) First Impressions: A Brand-New Property with Great Bones (37:33) A Thousand Little Cuts: The Westin's Service Problems (44:50) The Math Behind Checking Out Early (52:21) The Four Seasons vs. The Westin: What the Extra Money Buys (59:23) Why the Four Seasons Spa Facilities Stood Out (01:00:37) Getting Serious About Sauna Again (01:05:51) Pickleball, Paddleboarding, and Space to Get Lost (01:08:00) Did the Four Seasons Save the Trip? (01:13:18) How to Actually Get Deals at the Four Seasons (01:16:20) Ranking All Four Bora Bora Resorts (01:19:32) Why Fiji Is Still at the Top of the List (01:21:45) Where AI Can Go Wrong (01:23:15) Packing a Travel Med Bag for Remote Destinations (01:24:20) Final Thoughts and Why Bora Bora Keeps Winning 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

July 22, 202658 min

Where to Keep Your Cash for the Highest Return

#288: Chris breaks down exactly where to park your cash to earn the most, whether you have $10,000 or a few million. From high-yield savings accounts and Treasury ETFs to brokerage bonuses and cash management accounts, he explains the tradeoffs that actually matter—and why the highest advertised interest rate isn't always the best choice. He also shares the interactive tool he built to compare nearly 100 cash options based on your specific situation. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/where-to-put-your-cash-2026 Partner Deals Wispr Flow: ⁠Try effortless voice dictation for free Quince: Affordable luxury essentials with free shipping + 365 day returns DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web Trust & Will: ⁠Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Tools & Resources Chris's Cash Options Comparison Tool Doctor of Credit: Best High Yield Savings Accounts Doctor of Credit: Best Brokerage Bonuses Doctor of Credit: Best Bank Account Bonuses FedWatch Polymarket Kalshi Cash Accounts & Fintechs Silo Markets Bask® Mileage Savings Account ATH Podcast Ep #62: Protect Your Family, Mitigate Taxes and Preserve Your Wealth with Patrick and Mani Ep #177: Best Bank Account Setup to Earn Interest on All Your Cash Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:49) Why Cash Deserves Its Own Strategy (02:46) Why the Stock Market Isn't for Cash (05:18) Why After-Tax Yield Matters More Than the Rate (08:18) How Different Tax Treatments Change Your Return (13:05) Building a Cash Comparison Tool in Claude (14:12) Why Traditional Bank Accounts Are the Worst Option (14:39) How High-Yield Savings Accounts Really Work (17:57) Understanding FDIC Insurance and Keeping Your Cash Safe (19:52) SIPC Coverage for Brokerage Accounts (20:12) Why Friction Can Cost You More Than Yield (21:47) Treasuries, Money-Market Funds, and ETFs (24:05) Cash Management Accounts as a Bridge (25:30) Box Spreads and Other Advanced Cash Strategies (28:58) How Cash Bonuses Can Boost Your Returns (32:44) Negotiating Brokerage Bonuses at Scale (34:24) Earning Points on Your Brokerage Account with Silo (41:05) Walking Through the Cash Comparison Tool (44:11) The Big Takeaways by Tax Bracket (45:09) The High-Yield Savings Baseline (48:02) Why Friction Beat Optimization (50:13) Stacking Bank and Brokerage Bonuses (54:06) The Best Cash Strategy 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

July 15, 20261 hr 13 min

Putting Die With Zero Into Practice with Brad Barrett

#287: Chris and Brad Barrett revisit "Die With Zero" and confront how much harder Bill Perkins' ideas are to live than to agree with. They dig into when frugality flips from superpower to liability, the maximizer's struggle to let go, optimizing for the perfect Tuesday over the once-a-year trip, and giving money to your kids while it still matters. Brad is the co-host of the ChooseFI podcast and co-author of Choose FI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/die-with-zero-revisited-brad-barrett/. Partner Deals Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Fabric: ⁠Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Thrive Market: ⁠30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift Bilt Rewards: ⁠Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent 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 Brad Barrett: Website | X Book: Choose FI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Podcast: The ChooseFI Podcast Newsletter: The ChooseFI Newsletter The Tuesday Project Books & Articles Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life The Tail End by Tim Urban The Skill of Spending | Mr. Money Mustache Tools The Big Ass Calendar Copilot Money ATH Podcast Ep #68: Hosting Cocktail Parties, Building Relationships, Museum Strategies and Friends Newsletters with Nick Gray Ep #189: Beyond the 4% Rule: Smarter Strategies for Financial Independence with Karsten Jeske Ep #282: Saving Money and Optimizing is My Kryptonite Ep #285: Why Net Fulfillment Beats Net Worth with Bill Perkins Best Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:14) Revisiting "Die With Zero" Four Years Later (06:50) Is Intentional Frugality a Superpower? (08:48) Where Chris Still Struggles to Spend (15:04) The Psychology of Spending (19:53) Maximizer vs. Satisficer: What Are You Optimizing For? (23:35) Matching Your Effort to the Season of Life You're In (25:04) How to Let Go When You Want to Do Everything (31:50) Optimizing for Lasting Happiness (37:23) Don't Run Away From What Lights You Up (38:43) What Are You Actually Chasing More Money For? (44:01) What Are You Really Saving For? (45:46) Giving Money to Kids (and Causes) While It Still Matters (50:40) Hedging Retirement Risk by Moving, Not Working Longer (53:00) Fear Wasting Your Life More Than Running Out of Money (57:52) Chris's Vision for a Family Summer Camp (01:02:36) Building a Time-Bucket List of One-Off Dreams (01:03:44) The Case for Doing "Nothing" on a Trip (01:04:23) Chris's Three Main Takeaways (01:06:23) Lowering the Barrier to Real-Life Connection (01:09:55) Defining Net Fulfillment For Yourself 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

July 8, 20261 hr 13 min

Are Credit Card Points Still Worth It? and More Listener Q&A

#286: With credit card fees climbing, credits getting harder to use, and points constantly devaluing, it's fair to ask whether earning points and miles is even worth it anymore. In this AMA, Chris breaks down why the fees are still worth it for him (and who they're not worth it for), common mistakes to avoid when running the numbers, and when cash back makes the most sense. He also walks through how to start from scratch, when a high annual fee actually pays for itself, and how to squeeze more out of overlooked spending categories. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/are-points-worth-it-ama Partner Deals Superhuman: ⁠Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS Trust & Will: ⁠Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans Green Chef: ⁠50% off your first month + 20% off for two months with code 50ALLTHEHACKS NetSuite: ⁠Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Wispr Flow: ⁠Try effortless voice dictation for free For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned ⁠Best Cards Page⁠ ⁠Join the CardTool Waitlist⁠ AMA: ⁠Submit Questions⁠ Points Path Frequent Miler: What are Delta SkyMiles worth? Frequent Miler: What are Hyatt points worth now that the new award chart is live? How to Automatically Forward iMessages & Texts to Other Contacts Using Shortcuts Am I Eligible for a Business Credit Card? Ep #227: The Path to Becoming an Expert in Points & Miles with Devon Gimbel Ep #249: Earn More Points in Multiplayer Mode with Kai Ep #264: Deep Dive on Bilt Rewards and New Bilt 2.0 Cards Ep #267: Credit Cards: What's in My Wallet for 2026 Ep #280: The Hidden Rules of Credit Card Approvals Ep #283: Do You Actually Need Travel Insurance? Gift Cards Page Newsletter Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:11) Why "Coupon Book" Cards Are a Premium-Card Problem, Not a Points Problem (02:08) Why Points Still Beat Cash Back for Most People (06:53) When Cash Back Actually Makes Sense (09:12) The Best Cash Back Cards Earning More Than 2% (16:05) Why Sign-Up Bonuses Make Points Cards the Clear Winner (18:01) The Best Business Card Welcome Offers Right Now (19:45) When a Cash Back Welcome Offer Is Actually Worth It (25:13) Where to Start If You're New to Points and Miles (30:49) How to Decide If a High Annual Fee Is Worth Paying (32:21) Breaking Down a $795 Annual Fee, Credit by Credit (38:53) Military Members: Open Every Card You Can (40:36) Fixing the Amazon + Costco + Southwest "Everything" Setup (43:10) The Right Way to Maximize Gas Spending (46:03) How to Earn Points Renting an RV (48:51) Why There Are No Good Cruise Credit Cards (50:20) Is Priority Pass Still Worth Paying For? (53:19) How to Maximize Referral Bonuses as a Couple (56:25) Should Couples Share Cards or Stay Separate? (01:02:34) The Simplest Way to Manage Points With a Partner (01:03:32) What to Do With Your Points When You Close a Card 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

July 1, 20261 hr 30 min

Why Net Fulfillment Beats Net Worth with Bill Perkins

#285: Bill Perkins joins Chris to unpack what dying with zero really means in practice. They discuss why net fulfillment matters at every stage of life, which experiences are worth prioritizing now, how to bank memory dividends, the questions to ask yourself before spending (or saving), and how to solve for maximum fulfillment. Bill Perkins is a hedge fund manager, energy trader, and author of the international bestseller Die With Zero Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/bill-perkins-net-fulfillment-beats-net-worth Partner Deals Haven: Skip the waitlist for the best sauna. Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Copilot Money: ⁠Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Bill Perkins: Instagram | Website | X Book: Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life Full-body MRI Scan: Prenuvo Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence ATH Podcast #40: The Power of Regret, Motivation and Good Timing with Daniel Pink Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:27) Who Die With Zero Is Really For (02:32) Defining Net Fulfillment (03:14) Common Misconceptions People Have About Retirement and Spending (05:07) Why Money's Value Declines as You Age (09:12) Time Bucketing vs. a Bucket List (14:06) Memory Dividends: How Experiences Pay You Back for Life (20:47) Tactics to Make Your Memories Pay Bigger Dividends (22:12) Why You Should Start Investing in Experiences Now (25:39) How Far in Advance Should You Bucket Your Experiences? (27:27) The Experiences to Prioritize in Your 20s and 30s (30:35) Chris' Backpacking Trip (31:33) How to Avoid Getting Stuck on the Hamster Wheel (33:58) The Five Whys: Questioning the Outcome You Actually Want (35:54) Bill's Advice to People Who Are Contemplating a Career Upgrade (39:40) What to Do If You're Afraid of Running Out of Money (40:39) Attach Your Efforts to Your Goals (42:52) Letting Go of the Fear of Failure (44:51) Reframe Your Mindset to Minimize Future Regret (47:53) Do the Bold Thing (49:00) What an Hour of Your Time Is Really Worth (52:06) Should You Be Spending More or Less Money? (56:47) How Much You Need and When You Can Stop Saving (01:01:53) Why Doing It Now Also Benefits Your Future Self (01:02:32) The Coke vs. Pepsi Experiment and How Memory Works (01:03:46) Deconstructing What You Love About Your Job (01:05:57) What Bill Loves and Hates About the FIRE Movement (01:10:58) Get Past Your Habits and Ego to Unlock More Choices (01:12:44) Why Chris Set a Lower Net Worth Goal (01:16:08) Solving for Maximum Fulfillment (01:20:47) The Health Habits That Unlock Everything Else (01:24:24) Why Diagnostics Are Key to Catching Disease Early (01:27:58) Where to Find Bill Perkins 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

June 24, 20261 hr 3 min

20+ Credit Card Benefits You’re Probably Not Using

#284: Chris breaks down the credit card benefits that save real money but rarely get attention, from getting a cracked iPhone repaired for free to purchase protections, travel coverage, and a deep bench of lesser-known perks. Learn exactly which card to reach for on every purchase, so you're always covered and never leaving money on the table. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/hidden-credit-card-benefits-2026/ Partner Deals Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today Bilt Rewards: ⁠Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances Quince: Affordable luxury essentials with free shipping + 365 day returns LMNT: ⁠Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Tools & Apps CardPointers: 30% off (50% off for ATH Members) GigSky The Cultivist Benefit Programs Sapphire Tables (via OpenTable) Resy Mastercard Priceless Visa Universal Studios discounts SoFar Sounds Troon Rewards Discover Cash at Checkout Amex Venmo Send and Split ATH Podcast Ep #66: Rental Cars: Saving Money, Avoiding Fees and All the Secret Tricks with Jonathan Weinberg Ep #113: Unlocking the Power of Plastic: Maximizing Your Hidden Credit Card Benefits Ep #221: Deep Dive on Credit Reports, Scores, and Their Real-World Impact Ep #224: Airport Lounges: Getting In, Hidden Perks and Expert Tips with Kevin Song Ep #283: Do You Actually Need Travel Insurance? 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: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:15) Purchase Benefits Overview (02:36) Purchase Protection: Coverage for Damaged or Stolen Items (05:15) How Extended Warranty Protection Works (06:36) Return Protection for Items Stores Won’t Take Back (07:55) When Price Protection Can Save You Money (12:27) Travel Benefits Overview (12:46) Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance (13:22) Trip Delay Coverage (13:47) Delayed Luggage Reimbursement (14:04) Lost and Damaged Bag Insurance (16:01) Rental Car Coverage: Primary vs. Secondary Insurance (21:37) Emergency Medical Coverage While Traveling (22:54) Non-Emergency Medical and Dental Coverage (23:22) What Travel Accident Insurance Actually Covers (23:53) Lounge Access Across Issuers and Networks (25:06) Booking the Luxury Hotel Collections for Free Perks (29:34) Free International Data and Roaming Benefits (31:46) Global Entry, TSA PreCheck & Trusted Traveler Credits (32:29) Cell Phone Protection Benefits (35:12) How to Maximize Card-Linked Offers (36:16) Automating Card-Linked Offers With CardPointers (37:26) What Credit Card Concierge Services Can Actually Do (38:49) Free Credit Scores and Credit Monitoring Tools (40:06) The Chase Instacart Benefit (and How to Stack It) (45:18) The Chase DoorDash Benefit (47:31) Exclusive Restaurant Reservation Programs (48:30) American Express Uber Benefits (49:14) Lyft Perks for Mastercard Holders (49:43) Capital One Entertainment and Drink Benefits (50:24) Free Museum Access With Bank of America and Capital One (52:22) Experience and Entertainment Programs (54:11) Getting Cash Out of Your Credit Card Benefits (55:50) Instant Approval and Virtual Card Numbers (58:02) Visa Network Benefits Worth Knowing (59:26) Mastercard Network Perks: Transit, Peacock, Airport Fast Track & Soho Friends 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

June 17, 20261 hr 10 min

Do You Actually Need Travel Insurance?

#283: Learn exactly when you might need travel insurance and when your credit cards already have you covered. Chris breaks down what travel insurance covers, how those benefits compare to the coverage built into popular credit cards, and when it makes sense to buy additional protection. Plus, what US health insurance actually covers abroad, and specialty policies worth getting for medical evacuation, scuba diving, and trips off the beaten path. Link to Full Show Notes: https://www.chrishutchins.com/travel-insurance Partner Deals Zocdoc: Find and instantly book a doctor you love today DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Wispr Flow: ⁠Try effortless voice dictation for free Fabric: ⁠Affordable term life insurance for you and your family For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Credit Cards: Best Cards Page ⁠June's Best Welcome Offers⁠ Travel Insurance Providers Allianz Travel Insurance Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Travel Guard World Nomads Travel Insured International Blue Cross Blue Shield Travel Insurance (BCBS Global Solutions) Squaremouth Medical Evacuation & Specialty Coverage Medjet Global Rescue AirMed Covac Global Redpoint Travel Protection American Alpine Club Divers Alert Network (DAN) Garmin SAR Insurance Health Insurance Resources Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core Kaiser Permanente International Coverage Christian Healthcare Ministries Medicare Plan G / Medigap (Medicare.gov) LifeX Research ATH Podcast Ep #277: The Japan ER Visit That Changed How We Travel (& Tokyo Disney) with Amy Fox Ep #113: Unlocking the Power of Plastic: Maximizing Your Hidden Credit Card Benefits Newsletter Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:30) What Trip Cancellation Insurance Actually Covers (04:41) How Trip Change and Interruption Coverage Works (05:40) Reimbursement Limits for Trip Delays (06:39) Lost and Delayed Bag Coverage Explained (08:01) Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation Coverage (09:24) Political Security and Disaster Evacuation Coverage (09:49) Medical and Dental Expense Limits While Abroad (10:11) How Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Works (10:27) Travel Insurance Add-Ons Worth Considering and a High-Level Recap (13:38) Pricing Out Real Policies for a Two-Week Europe Trip (17:24) Coverage You Likely Already Have vs. Unique Policies Worth Buying (18:18) What Counts as a Premium Credit Card? (18:58) How Cards Stack Up on Trip Cancellation and Interruption (21:32) Coverage for Award Flights Booked with Points (28:10) Price Drop Protection (28:46) Where Credit Card Trip Delay Coverage Beats Travel Insurance (30:05) Delayed Luggage Coverage on Premium Cards (31:41) Lost Bag Protection & Reimbursement Limits (34:02) Emergency Evacuation Benefits Included with Credit Cards (37:07) What Travel Accident Insurance Really Pays Out (39:07) When Standalone Travel Insurance Makes More Sense (39:31) Emergency Medical Coverage While Traveling Abroad (40:11) Rental Car Coverage and Primary vs. Secondary Insurance (46:12) What Credit Cards Cover Well (47:27) What US Health Insurance Actually Covers Abroad (50:54) How Health Sharing Plans Handle International Travel (51:43) Understanding Medicare Coverage Abroad (53:13) Handling Non-Emergency Medical Issues Overseas (56:22) Getting Evacuated to the Hospital of Your Choice (59:21) Specialty Coverage for Search and Rescue (01:00:57) Why Scuba Divers Need a Dedicated Membership (01:02:07) Travel Insurance Takeaways & Final Recommendations 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

June 10, 202653 min

Saving Money and Optimizing is My Kryptonite

#282: When does optimization stop helping and start hurting? Chris shares how a string of seemingly smart decisions had him pouring hours into marginal gains that never materialized. He unpacks the hidden cost of optimization, the role AI plays in amplifying it, and how he's learning to focus on what actually moves the needle. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/optimizing-is-my-kryptonite/ Partner Deals NetSuite: ⁠Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Superhuman: ⁠Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS Green Chef: ⁠50% off your first month + 20% off for two months with code 50ALLTHEHACKS Upwork: ⁠Free job posting to find, hire, and pay top freelance talent Mercury: ⁠Manage, move, and grow your money For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Articles & Podcasts Every After Automation: Article | Podcast Tools & Apps PointsPath (use code ALLTHEHACKS15 for 15% off Pro) Autopilot (first $100 in savings free) Claude ChatGPT Deep Personality Services Clickables Events Points Travel Festival ATH Podcast #181: Making an Easy $3k/mo from Online Deals with Kai #273: Stop Overthinking and Start Deciding with Derek Sivers Builder Community Membership Best Cards Page Newsletter Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:26) Why Chris Feels Like He Has Zero Free Time (08:18) The Cabo Flight Booking Rabbit Hole (10:33) Building an AI Framework for Booking Travel (11:11) Chasing an Extra 15% Off With a United Card (12:49) When Optimizing Costs More Than the Original Price (15:53) Why Video Is Eating So Much of the Podcast's Time (18:56) The Endless Pursuit of Better YouTube Thumbnails (25:50) Recognizing the Real Cost of Over-Optimization (26:32) What AI Revealed About Why Chris Over-Optimizes (27:51) The Psychology Behind Chasing the Best Deal (30:02) Is AI Making Optimization Better or Worse? (31:11) Buying Back Time (31:39) A New Philosophy for Booking Flights (33:30) Tools That Help You Optimize Without the Mental Overhead (36:29) Chris’ New Flight Booking Rules (37:03) Re-Optimizing Work to Create More Free Time (38:14) The Paper "Star" System for Catching Rabbit Holes (42:20) Revisiting Old Lessons (44:09) Using Technology to Audit How You Spend Your Time 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

June 3, 20261 hr 5 min

Taking My Health Into My Own Hands: Tests, Records, and What Actually Worked

#281: Chris shares the full playbook he used to take control of his health after digging into his family historical and lab results. He breaks down which tests are actually worth your money and when each one matters. Plus, how he built a personal health AI from his own medical records to surface what doctors missed. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/personal-health-ai-diagnostics/. Partner Deals DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today Copilot Money: ⁠Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth 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 Doctors & Medical Practices PrimaryMD One Medical Blueberry Zocdoc Biomarker & Blood Testing Function Health SuperPower InsideTracker InstaLab Ulta Lab Tests Quest Diagnostics Labcorp Specialized Diagnostics Nucleus 23andMe Levels Prenuvo Health Data Aggregators & AI Tools Apple Health Google Health Epic Claude ChatGPT Gemini PubMed Tech & Wearables Oura Ring Whoop ATH Podcast #097: Optimizing Your Health: Diagnostic Tests, Choosing a Doctor, Sleep, Longevity, Inflammation and More with Dr. Jordan Shlain Newsletter Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:46) Chris' Lifelong Battle with High Cholesterol (07:20) Switching to a More Proactive Doctor (09:39) Family Medical History: The Cheapest Diagnostic Tool (10:59) Why ApoB and Lp(a) Belong on Every Lipid Panel (17:04) Detecting Soft Plaque with a CT Angiogram (20:02) Moving Beyond Statins for Better Cholesterol Control (21:46) How Chris Got a $500/Month Drug Covered by Insurance (25:11) Branching Out to Other Health Diagnostics (26:15) Comparing the Major Biomarker Blood Work Services (32:31) What Whole Genome Sequencing Actually Tells You (34:36) The Real Value of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (36:08) Getting a Full-Body Skin Scan from a Dermatologist (36:32) Using a DEXA Scan to Baseline Body Composition (37:17) Benchmarking Fitness with a VO2 Max Test (37:51) The Case For (and Against) a Prenuvo Whole-Body MRI (39:51) Why You Still Need a Human Doctor in the Loop (44:02) Finding the Right Primary Care Setup for Your Budget (46:21) The Health Basics Worth More Than Any Fancy Test (48:40) Building a Personal Health AI From Your Medical Records (56:56) Smarter Ways to Track Your Diet with AI (01:01:43) Why Chris Records Every Doctor's Appointment (01:02:25) Final Takeaways on Modern Health Diagnostics 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

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