Author: Liam Murphey
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How to Build an Emergency Fund (And Stop Relying on Credit Cards for Surprises)
It’s a feeling every adult knows: that sudden, sinking pit in your stomach when the car starts making a clunking noise, the water heater goes cold, or a surprise medical bill arrives in the mail. For millions of people, the first thought isn’t, “How will I pay for this?” but rather, “Which credit card has…
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Travel Rewards: From Sign-Up Bonus to Seat 2A
Turn points into trips with our transfer-partner cheat sheets and simple “cash vs. miles” math. Fewer fees, better seats, smarter routes. TLDR: Your path to a booked award 1) Choose your points “home” (transfer partners = options) Tip: If your dream trip is on a Star Alliance carrier (e.g., Lufthansa, ANA, EVA), ecosystems that transfer…
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Building Your Business Credit: 3 Top Starter Cards for New Entrepreneurs
When you launch a new business, your to-do list is a mile long. Between developing your product, finding customers, and managing daily operations, a concept like “business credit” can feel abstract and low on the priority list. But here’s the secret: building a strong business credit profile from day one is one of the most…
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The 30% Rule: How One Simple Number Can Drastically Improve Your Credit Score
Are you frustrated with your credit score? You pay your bills on time, every single month. You haven’t missed a payment in years. Yet, your score seems stuck in neutral, never quite reaching that “excellent” tier? If this sounds familiar, you might be overlooking the second most powerful factor in your credit score—a factor so…
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The Ultimate Guide to Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points
Have you ever felt like you’re just collecting a random assortment of points without a real plan? You know your Chase card is valuable, but you’re not sure if you’re truly making the most of it. In the world of credit card rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards® are considered a “blue-chip” currency—they are flexible, valuable, and…
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Does Opening a New Credit Card Hurt Your Score? The Real Answer.
It’s one of the most common questions in personal finance, and it’s surrounded by conflicting advice: will opening a new credit card wreck my score? It’s a valid fear, and it stops many people from accessing valuable rewards or helpful financial tools. So let’s get straight to it. Here is the real answer: Yes, opening…
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The “Player 2” Strategy: How Couples Can Double Their Rewards Together
You and your partner are talking about your next big trip—maybe it’s a romantic getaway to Paris or a week-long adventure in Bali. But as you start to crunch the numbers on flights and hotels, you realize that your individual credit card rewards accounts are growing… slowly. You each have a card, but you’re earning points…
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5 Common Point Redemption Mistakes That Are Costing You a Free Vacation
You did it. You followed the strategies, you used the right cards for the right purchases, and you’ve built up a massive balance of credit card points. Seeing that six-figure number in your account—brimming with the potential for adventure—is an amazing feeling. The hard work of earning is over. But now comes the most critical…
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Cash Back, Portal, or Transfer? When to Use Each Redemption Option for Maximum Value
You’ve done everything right. You’ve earned a welcome bonus, you’re using the right card for groceries, and your points balance is growing. You feel a thrill of accomplishment every time you check your rewards dashboard. But then, a question hits you: “What now? How do I actually use these points without messing it up?” This…
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Double-Dip Your Rewards: A Beginner’s Guide to Stacking Offers with Shopping Portals
You’ve mastered the art of using your credit card to earn points on every purchase. You know which card to use for dining, and which one to use at the grocery store. But what if you could earn even more on those purchases with just one extra click? Many savvy rewards enthusiasts use a secret…