Are you leveraging your spending for FREE travel?

I was in Trader Joes yesterday and everyone around me was paying with their debit card. Nothing makes me more frustrated than to see people paying for everyday items with cash or their debit card. Why you ask?
When you spend $5 on a coffee and pay with a debit card or cash, the money is just gone. Sure, you get the coffee so you are satisfied. But what if by spending that $5, you are now one step closer to a trip to Europe. What if you earn 3% cash back when you spend that $5. Wow, right?
Same $5, but now it's working for you. You are one step closer to almost free family travel or you just got a discount on that coffee. Both are a win.
I ask people why they pay with cash or debit and they respond with either I like to track what I spend or it hurts more when I pay with cash.
Those are great reasons, but when you pay with cash or debit, you are just spending. Imagine what life would be like if instead of just spending money, your money was actually working for you.
That's what I call leveraged spending.
Sure it's a bit of a change of mindset and habits, but it's worth it and anyone can do it.

Here's what you need to do to get started:
1. decide if you want cash back or if you want to travel and if you want to travel, where do you want to go. Then look at the top credit card offers out there and apply to 1 card to start. I recommend starting with the Starwood American Express, Southwest Rapid Rewards or the Chase Sapphire Preferred for travel and the Capital One or Chase Freedom card for cash back.
2. Once you get the card, set up the online account and put the card on auto pay. You do not want to incur late fees and you do not want to carry a balance.
3. Mark on your calendar the date 10 months from the day you opened the card. This is when you will need to review the card to decide if it's worth keeping or you want to cancel it.
4. Then start charging everything. Like my friend's husband told her "don't even pay cash for a pack of gum."

And you are on your way. Remember, if you want to travel on awards, book early! If you are earning cash back, look for the credits coming back to you or the check in the mail.
And if you shop online, be sure to utilize a cash back or airline portal so you can double dip. Good luck!