The Manifesto Episode 23: Reunion Show With Joe, Robert & Dan

Hello, and welcome to The Manifesto with Gideon, the Free-quent Flyer, on the Milenomics Podcast Network. I’m Gideon, the Free-quent Flyer, and I’m joined today for a reunion show by three of the podcasting greats, Joe Cheung, Robert Dwyer, and Dan Podheiser. Fellas, welcome to the Manifesto.

0:54 Plugs

• Episode 15 of the Saverocity Observation Deck, September 27, 2015: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-15-family-ms-and-other-stuff/id973293251?i=1000488933617
• Joe Cheung: asthejoeflies on Twitter, Disney Deciphered and Miles to Memories podcasts
• Ping Joe if you're looking for a Disney Travel Agent. 
• Robert Dwyer: Milenomics Squared and Checking In podcasts on the Milenomics Podcast Network, RobertDwyer on Twitter, https://www.wellesleywinepress.com/
• Dan: Happily freed from the shackles of social media.x1

4:13 Most valued program

• Dan then: 26. Marriott Flight and Hotel deals -> Companion Pass. Target debit Redcard for Disney GC savings for cruises. Chase transfers to Hyatt.
• Dan now: Amex MR 1.25c/pp cash redemptions through Schwab Platinum
• Gideon then: US Bank Flexperks for 2x points worth up to 4c towards flights.
• Gideon now: Cash back, slowly ramping back up Hilton and UR earning
• Robert then: Chase Ultimate Rewards, European BMW delivery, Lufthansa seat availability.
• Robert now: Amex Membership Rewards. The rise of bank points and great earning opportunities during Covid combined with easy cashout paths across all major banks made the pandemic a great time to be earning.
• Joe then: Chase and Hyatt.
• Joe now: [Hyatt Place Portland Old-Port now 15,000 points per night up from 12,000]

 8:36 Overall Goals

• Dan then: Quality of life; MS for cash back or minimum spend. Setting up a financial future.
• Dan now: Still quality of life, now more than ever. Solely focused on cash back. Working on transition from scarcity to abundance mindset.
• Gideon then: Getting to yes on trips with partner.
• Gideon now: Finding more esoteric financial schemes.
• Robert then: See what you want, figure out how to save money on it.
• Robert now: Making the most of each viable vacation window. Covid heightened the awareness of how precious the ability to travel is, and with kids getting older I’m really mindful of this.

15:39 How does family affect your earning/redemptions

• Joe then: No free time, juggling childcare and MS. Wife reluctant non-participant.
• Joe now: No free time, juggling childcare and MS. Wife reluctant non-participant.
• Robert then: Credit cards and banks superior to work travel, but it’s also a second job.
• Robert now: Earning-wise at home opportunities continue to be my focus, which usually means discounted travel rather than “free(!)”. Needing 4 seats for every trip makes air travel a big percentage cost of travel. Finding that award availability internationally is always challenging (but possible!). Domestically airfare prices are up and traditional airline miles aren’t saving me. Bank points continue to be where it’s at.
• Dan then: wife is supportive and indifferent. Tags along on rides.
• Dan now: Current family makeup dictates both my mental bandwidth for playing the game, along with goal for earning cash back vs. points.
• Gideon then: partner is surprisingly supportive. Planning trips around MS limits. Absurd frugality.
• Gideon now: Absurd frugality more important than ever.

24:20 What does strategy look like today?

• Do you care about your credit score?
• Signup bonuses
• Recurring benefits
• Bonused spend / unbonused spend

32:04 Quar question of the week

What are you most eager to return to after the pandemic / what do you hope stays the same.

Thanks again to Dan, Robert, and Joe for joining me today. You’ve been listening to The Manifesto with Gideon, the Free-quent Flyer, on the Milenomics Podcast Network. Goodbye, and good luck.