Some little things, some big things
And an early morning surprise!
Hi from Motor City!
I moved away from my hometown in the suburbs of Detroit in the fall of 1999 and started a new life for myself in the big apple.
Everyone at home seemed to think I’d move back. Everyone!
First, they thought I’d be back for the summer (nope!), then they said to wait until I graduated from college (still no), or after getting married (no way), or after having kids (well, they are now 9 & 11 so even that ship is sailing).
It always feels cozy and nice to come back but New York is truly home.
I have so much to say about Detroit - growing up here, coming back to visit and more but I’m writing to you from a gorgeous corner suite in the beautiful Shinola Hotel where I’m having a little staycation without the kids so I’m keeping my musings brief!
I’m obsessed with this hotel btw and never want to check out - I will share more on it in a Detroit recap at some point! I stay here every time I come to town.
An update!
This substack now has an active community chat forum! If you visit Substack via the app or web, please check out the chat!
Each day (or most days because hey, I’m human), I take a question that’s asked over email or DMs and share that and the answer with the whole community (names and identifying info removed of course!). Have a question? Please feel free to ask there as well!
You never know if your question is one others have too. It can be so helpful to learn from others and it’s really nice to really get to know you all.
Now, some points and miles news:
I posted this on the Brooklyn Family Travelers IG this morning because…WHAT? I am over 5/24 and got approved for the new premium business card with the 200K bonus this morning!
This bank usually has a rule called the 5/24 rule. They will not approve you for any personal cards if you’ve opened more than 5 personal cards from ANY bank in 24 months — or any business cards if you’ve opened more than 4 personal cards from any bank in 24 months.
Here’s my 5/24 status:
You’d think I wouldn’t have been approved but…I was approved!
So, here’s your reminder that it can be like the Wild West out here when new cards come on the scene and it can be worth applying when the card is right (details on the how to/when/where below).
Some points news and reminders:
Reminder: Don’t miss the 100k (premium) card offer.
It may not stick around so if you qualify (see HERE to see if you do!), take the opportunity to apply. It’s always worth it to pay a high fee on a card for the first year so don’t dwell on the high fee.
The 200k business card offer is incredible if you can swing it.
I get that $30k over 6 months is steep. Remember, that’s $5k/month though - broken down like that may not feel so impossible. 200k points can get you multiple business class flights, a week at a 5 star hotel and so much more. I applied this morning - and the rest is history! (See above)
Click here to use my links to apply (THANKS!).
For the personal card, click “our favorite personal cards” in this link and it’s the first one there.
For the business card, click our favorite business cards and it’s the first one there.
Easy peasy - and you’re supporting a small woman owned biz all while earning yourself a ton of points ❤️
There are more amazing offers.
Like cards with 4x on groceries and restaurants, and high bonuses.
You may wonder why I talk about cards so much and I would probably wonder the same thing if I were you! The most efficient and economical way to earn points is through welcome bonuses.
How do you get those? Through being strategic about opening new cards. Spend $5k on a card you already have — you get 5k points. Put it on a new card? You have the potential to get 75K+ points. That’s how this works :) Fill out THIS form for tailored intel on which card is right for you right now:
What to do if you get denied for a card.
Sulk! Kidding (sort of) ;) There is a whole strategy around calling the bank and asking them to reconsider your application. You can see more about that HERE and message me anytime for help. Yesterday, my husband got denied for the new business card (hence my applying this morning) so I am in the same boat with calling and asking them to reconsider the denial. It’s worth the effort!
Rakuten (the shopping portal) is a great way to earn points.
If you don’t have an account already, click HERE to get it (and get $30). If you already have Rakuten, and don’t know how to switch to points instead of cash, message me! I will help you. I just bought a few months of dog food for Birdie and some other stuff and got nearly 7,000 points when Pet Smart had 25x back on purchases yesterday! It’s easy, takes two seconds and is a big part of my point earning strategy that doesn’t involve opening a card 🥳.
ICYMI: The Amsterdam Edit is out and I’m super happy with it.
Thanks to those who sent such nice notes after reading it! Your notes and comments make my day.
Btw!! How is the content here?
I’m thinking of putting a regular schedule together for this substack so you’ll know which days I’m posting. TBH that gives me some anxiety to create a schedule but I want to be sure I’m always adding value to your inbox and your feed and making travel more attainable for you.
Weigh in here so I can think about what YOU want as I put together a schedule 🖤
And now, below the paywall, I have a few important pieces of info to share including:
Some pretty bad news re: referral bonuses
The airline that’s devaluing their points with two banks (boo!)
How I got lounge access for my whole family flying to Detroit without spending anything
Why I flew economy to Detroit and didn’t bother with first class
Thanks for being here! Have you been thinking of becoming a paid subscriber and gaining access to all of the content and perks? If you support my work by paying for it, you’re helping to turn this fun substack into a real business and for that I’m eternally grateful ❤️❤️❤️
Just know I appreciate you for being here however it works best for you.