loader from loading.io

Maximizing Credit Card Points for Luxury Travel

The Richer Geek

Release Date: 07/09/2025

Why Mindset Beats Strategy in Wealth Building show art Why Mindset Beats Strategy in Wealth Building

The Richer Geek

Happy Holidays and welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Today, we are joined by Rod Khleif, a multifamily real estate investor, best-selling author, and host of a top 1% business podcast with over 20 million downloads. Rod shares his journey from growing up with very little, to losing $50M during the 2008 crash, and rebuilding a stronger, purpose-driven real estate business. This episode focuses on mindset, taking action despite fear, and why real estate continues to create opportunity during uncertain markets. If you tend to overanalyze or feel stuck waiting for the...

info_outline
Building Wealth Through Community-Driven Real Estate show art Building Wealth Through Community-Driven Real Estate

The Richer Geek

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today we are joined by Fuquan Bilal, a seasoned real estate entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building wealth through multifamily and luxury real estate investments. As the CEO and Founder of NNG Capital Fund, Fuquan shares how creative strategies, strong investor communication, and community impact drive long-term success. We talk about market cycles, investor trust, and what it really takes to raise capital the right way. This episode is packed with practical insights for investors and operators at every stage. In this...

info_outline
Traditional CPA vs. Strategic CPA: What Helps You Grow show art Traditional CPA vs. Strategic CPA: What Helps You Grow

The Richer Geek

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today we are joined by Chris Hervochon, CPA, CVA, a numbers-driven advisor who helps growth-minded entrepreneurs make smarter financial decisions. Chris shares how good accounting goes far beyond tax season, why advisory-based CPAs can save you tens of thousands, and the real difference between bookkeeping, controllers, and fractional CFOs. He also breaks down how to prepare your business for a future sale and the hidden risks most founders never check. If you're ready to run your business like the asset it should be, this episode...

info_outline
The Rich Life: Real Estate, Freedom, and Finding Your Purpose show art The Rich Life: Real Estate, Freedom, and Finding Your Purpose

The Richer Geek

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast, today we are joined by Christina Suter, a seasoned real estate investor, advisor, and educator. Christina shares her journey, starting with inheriting a paid-off house at 17, and explains why she views real estate as a vehicle for location, time, and choice freedom, not just money. Tune in as she discusses her shift from appreciation plays in California to high cash flow strategies like room shares , and how her "Live A Rich Life" coaching helps people find meaning and purpose beyond just achieving financial independence. In this...

info_outline
Build Income With Airbnb Arbitrage show art Build Income With Airbnb Arbitrage

The Richer Geek

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today, we are joined by Daanish Azim, who built a $60K/month Airbnb business without owning a single property. He lost everything in 2022, took a chance on one rental unit, and turned it into a small empire. Now he teaches others how to do the same through Airbnb arbitrage. In this episode, we chat about… What Airbnb arbitrage is and how it works Why getting property owners’ permission matters How to check city rules and avoid issues with regulations Funding the business using 0% business credit cards What today’s...

info_outline
How to Build Wealth Through Non-Food Franchising show art How to Build Wealth Through Non-Food Franchising

The Richer Geek

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today we are joined by Jon Ostenson, one of the top 1% Franchise Consultants in the U.S., respected author, investor, and leading voice in the world of non-food franchising. Jon breaks down how everyday professionals, corporate leaders, and real estate investors can use franchising to build wealth, diversify income, and create long-term stability even without quitting their day job. In this episode, we chat about… Jon’s career path from corporate leadership to franchise president and top franchise consultant Why non-food...

info_outline
Bitcoin Meets AI: What’s Next? show art Bitcoin Meets AI: What’s Next?

The Richer Geek

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! This week, as we honor Veterans Day, today’s guest brings both service and purpose to the mic. Joshua Brooks, founder of Exponential Advisors and an Army Reserve Chaplain, combines military discipline, faith, and forward-thinking tech to help families and organizations build real financial freedom. Joshua shares how he’s blending AI, blockchain, and Bitcoin into modern financial planning, why he believes everyone should take a second look at Bitcoin, and how faith and integrity shape his work. From overcoming PTSD to leading with...

info_outline
How the Ultra-Wealthy Invest in 2025 show art How the Ultra-Wealthy Invest in 2025

The Richer Geek

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today we are joined by Richard Wilson, CEO of Family Office Club, the largest investor community for ultra-wealthy families with over 7,500+ members and 16+ in-person events every year. Richard has spent 18 years studying how the richest entrepreneurs protect and grow wealth, building a global social network of 17M+ followers and interviewing billionaires to decode what truly moves the needle. In this episode, we chat about… What the ultra-wealthy are actually investing in right now Why investors are moving away from “spray...

info_outline
Buying Castles in Spain: The Smart Way to Invest in Boutique Hotels show art Buying Castles in Spain: The Smart Way to Invest in Boutique Hotels

The Richer Geek

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Today, Mike and Nichole break down how U.S. investors can tap into Spain’s booming tourism market,  including opportunities to buy historic boutique hotels and castles at surprisingly accessible prices. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a cash-flowing property you can also vacation in… this one’s for you.  In this episode, we chat about… Why Spain beats the U.S. in current hotel economics The hidden world of affordable castles and estates The challenges of buying overseas (and how to solve them) How the fund...

info_outline
Why Mobile Home Parks Are the Smartest Real Estate Play show art Why Mobile Home Parks Are the Smartest Real Estate Play

The Richer Geek

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today we are joined by Brad Johnson, Co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of Vintage Capital. Brad shares how mobile home park investing is quietly outperforming traditional real estate. He breaks down why this niche is attracting serious investors, the powerful tax advantages that come with it, and how it helps solve America’s growing affordable housing problem all while delivering steady, long-term returns. In this episode, we chat about… Brad’s journey from small rental properties to managing $3B+ in real estate deals ...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Our guest today is Spencer Howard, credit card royalty program and travel rewards expert and founder of Straight To The Points. Spencer shares his expertise on maximizing credit card points to unlock luxury travel experiences, from choosing the right cards to building a sustainable points strategy that won't damage your credit score.

In this episode, we chat about…

  • Spencer's Journey from Politics to Points Expert - How working at the US Travel Association sparked his obsession with travel rewards and led to building a full-time business around credit card points strategy

  • The Two-Sided Business Model - Spencer explains his newsletter service for finding business and first-class award space plus his travel advisor services for luxury ground experiences

  • Transferable Points Strategy - Why starting with flexible points currencies like Chase Ultimate Rewards and Capital One Miles beats airline-specific cards for most travelers

  • The Three Approaches to Credit Cards - Breaking down the "Keep It Simple" (1-3 cards), "Hub and Supplement" (4-6 cards), and "Maximalist" (continuous new cards) strategies

  • Credit Score Myths Debunked - How responsible points enthusiasts maintain 750+ credit scores while regularly opening new cards through strategic management

Key Takeaways:

  • Start with transferable points programs rather than airline or hotel-specific cards to maximize flexibility and redemption options across 15+ different airlines

  • Focus on bonus categories that align with your spending - Cards like Amex Gold (4x groceries) and Citi Premier (3x travel/gas/groceries) can accelerate point earning

  • Maintain excellent credit hygiene - Keep oldest cards open, pay balances in full every month, and don't attempt this strategy unless you have a 700+ credit score

  • Signup bonuses are the fastest way to earn points - New card bonuses typically offer more points than you can earn through regular spending over months

  • Choose your involvement level - Whether you prefer a simple 1-3 card setup or become a maximalist earning machine, there's a points strategy that fits your lifestyle and effort level

 

Resources from Spencer

     LinkedIn | Instagram  | Straight To The Points 

 Resources from Mike and Nichole

     Gateway Private Equity Group |  Nic's guide