Points and Travel Tasks
We tell our two young ones that it’s okay to be bored every now and then, especially during the summer. Indeed, while we take a few trips each summer, we want our kids to have time to be bored. Magic can happen. And I’m often there – by design. Indeed, there can be beauty within boredom. Also, in those times, we can address a few overlooked points and travel tasks. I have a few in mind this summer, and I bet some can relate.
Consume Gift Card Remnants
Much of what we do involves discounted or “free” third party gift cards, and of course, Visa or Mastercard cash equivalents. Inevitably, I end up with a few bucks left on a variety of merchant gift cards, and I’ve been slowly using those up over the summer. That hasn’t happened as fast as I’d liked, primarily because I only do so when I’m already in a given area, anyway. I’m not creating unnecessary trips to use them. Meanwhile, cash equivalents are easier to fully consume. Many grocery stores auto-drain these cards at self checkout, and I can do about ten or so per transaction.
Tighten Up Those Spreadsheets…
…or whatever system you use to track your progress. I’m home more in the summer, and that’s a great time for this task, which I’m often a bit behind on. Updating my spreadsheets is sneaky-fun, as well, as I’m able to see more specifically how miles, points, and cash back have piled up over time.
Card Organization
It’s been a busy year like others, but many of us have been particularly busy with one card issuer. We’ve received many new credit cards and closed others.
How we each organize our credit cards and related materials can vary. The most important thing is do something that works for you. Many organize their cards in binders with plastic sheets designed for baseball or other collectible cards. I opt for pocket sleeves since I prefer keeping the materials that come with the cards themselves.
Perhaps more important, I must dispose of all this related junk after I close a card to play a clean game. I’m mostly focusing my organization efforts here this summer.
Avoid Points and Miles Expiration
Thankfully, points and miles expiration isn’t as widely applicable to rewards currencies as it previously was. But certain ones can still expire. Check your accounts, note expiration dates, and take any necessary actions to keep your points and miles alive.
Cancel Unnecessary Bookings
I find booking travel just as fun as taking the trip, maybe sometimes more so. My travel eyes are often bigger than my stomach. When I look back at my various advance reservations, I’ve been startled at the amount I’ve made and forgotten. I’ve already cancelled a few speculative reservations and have more to go. Just as important, ensure the points, miles, or certs return back to the account according to the terms. For instance, I’ve had to call AA a few times to request the miles back into my account when they didn’t post automatically.
Evaluate The Luggage Scene
It’s remarkable the luggage hoarder I’ve become over the years. Backpacks, bags, suitcases – I have more than I need. Part of this is due to the Amex Business Platinum Dell Credit. We’ve upgraded some items, and we can definitely downsize elsewhere.
I plan a luggage self-intervention this week, putting them all in one pile and making the hard decisions. Along with this, I need to swear off flippant Dell credit liquidation on bags.
Points and Travel Tasks – Conclusion
I’ve already gotten a good start on most of these overlooked points and travel tasks, and I’m confident I’ll complete them all this summer. Then again, I’ve said that before. Luckily, I don’t have too much spreadsheets catchup to do, and cancellations and expiration tasks are moving along nicely. Yes, card developments can be a welcome distraction, since I can pick up more rewards than I was expecting, but I can’t ignore the “distraction” part.
What points and travel tasks are you addressing this summer?
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