Chase 1st Quarter 2025 5x Bonus Categories

 

Woohoo! Chase has announced the 5x bonus categories for the FREEDOM (not available to new customers) and FREEDOM FLEX credit cards for Q1 2025. 

The bonus categories rotate quarterly and offer 5x Chase points up to $1,500. It's an easy way to accelerate your earning power. I max out these bonus offers on both of my FREEDOM credit cards every quarter. 

And then transfer the points to my Chase Sapphire Reserve for maximum value. 

Past categories have included Paypal, Amazon, Lowe's Walmart, pet services and more. 

For Q1 2025, the categories are:

• Self Care, Nail and Hair Salon and Spa 
• Grocery Stores - excluding Walmart and Target
• Fitness and Gyms 
• Norwegian Cruise Lines 

You need to activate your bonus by March 14th 2025. 

Besides the bonus categories, the Chase FREEDOM FLEX comes with a $200 bonus offer for a $500 minimum spend. This is a $0 annual fee credit card so it's a great everyday card to add to your wallet. 

Travel Insurance: Do You Need It And Which Should You Choose

Are you travelling for the holidays? A lot of us are and well, when we travel things happen. So the question is should you buy travel insurance? 

Well it depends. 

Our client, Deborah, said that travel insurance recently saved her thousands of dollars when she and her partner came down with Covid while on a trip to Croatia and Greece. They had to change plans and stay at an island hotel for 5 days while they recovered. Travel insurance covered the additional hotel nights, cancelled hotel nights, food and transportation. 

Some credit cards include travel insurance if you buy your flights, hotels or car insurance with it. If you use points to buy your flights and/or hotels, coverage will depend on how you booked the flight and hotel. Did you transfer the points to an airline or hotel partner, if you did, then Chase considers itself no longer responsible for the trip. And you would only be covered if you purchased travel insurance from the carrier or hotel brand. 

If you booked through the Chase Travel Portal, then Chase would still cover your trip and would refund you in cash rather than points. 

The credit cards we like that include travel insurance are:

Chase Sapphire Reserve -  details about coverage from Chase.com 

• Travel and Emergency Assistance Services: If you run into a problem away from home, call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance. (You will be responsible for the cost of any goods or services obtained.)
• Trip Delay Reimbursement: If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 hours (six hours for Sapphire Reserve) or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.
• Trip Cancellation / Interruption Insurance: If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather and other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses, including passenger fares, tours and hotels.
• Baggage Delay Insurance: Reimburses you for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over six hours by passenger carrier up to $100 a day for 5 days.
• Lost Luggage Reimbursement: If you or an immediate family member check or carry-on luggage that is damaged or lost by the carrier, you're covered up to $3,000 per passenger.
• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Decline the rental company's collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. For Sapphire Reserve cardmembers, coverage is primary and provides reimbursement up to $75,000 for theft and collision damage for rental cars in the U.S. and abroad. Sapphire Preferred Cardmembers can be reimbursed up to the actual cash value of the vehicle, but coverage excludes certain cars, such as high value and exotic vehicles.
• Travel Accident Insurance: When you pay for your air, bus, train or cruise transportation with your card, you are eligible to receive accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $500,000 ($1,000,000 for Sapphire Reserve).
• Certain travel reimbursement, cancellation protection and emergency services are available to Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardmembers on eligible travel booked with their credit card. Here’s some more information about the benefits offered with the card.
• Emergency Evacuation and Transportation - If you or a member of your immediate family are injured or become sick during a trip far from home that results in an emergency evacuation, you can be covered for medical services and transportation up to $100,000.
• Roadside Assistance - If you have a roadside emergency, you can call for a tow, jumpstart, tire change, locksmith or gas. You’re covered up to $50 per incident 4 times a year.
• Emergency Medical and Dental Benefit - If you're 100 miles or more from home on a trip, you can be reimbursed up to $2,500 for medical expenses if you or your immediate family member become sick or injured.

Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our favorite cards, it comes with 60,000 bonus points, $300 travel credit, Priority Pass Lounge Membership, $120 Global Entry credit and more.

Capital One Venture X - details about coverage from Capitalone.com 

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance - If you booked and paid for your trip with a card belonging to a network that offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, you may qualify for reimbursement in certain situations. For example, they can include unexpected health issues or accidental injuries. The death of an immediate family member or someone in your travel party may also qualify. Maximum reimbursement depends on your card and can vary significantly. For example, some Capital One consumer credit cards may offer up to $2,000 per trip. (For others, it could be less or more.)
• Trip delay insurance - Travel schedules don’t always go as planned. Flights may get delayed or severe weather may affect your travels. Or you may need to pay for a meal or last-minute hotel room while you wait. If you paid for your trip with a card that has trip delay insurance, certain reasonable costs you incur during the delay might be covered.
• Rental car insurance - If you pay for a rental car with your card, you might be able to skip the added cost of buying insurance through the rental company. Credit card rental car insurance through some Capital One cards could cover collisions and theft.
• Lost or delayed baggage insurance - Lost, delayed or even stolen baggage can interrupt your trip. If you need to buy replacement items, you could be reimbursed.
• Travel accident insurance - In cases of severe injury or death, you or your family members could receive benefits if you booked and paid for your trip with a card that offers travel accident insurance.

Capital One Venture X is my second favorite credit card because it earns 2x points on every purchase, offers a 75,000 bonus, $300 travel credit, $120 Global Entry credit and access to Capital One Lounges. 

If your credit card doesn't cover your needs or if you need additional travel insurance for a cruise or tour, I recommend Faye Travel Insurance. It's generally inexpensive and you can adjust coverage on the company website to suit your needs. 

I am an official partner with Faye Travel Insurance so reach out if you need help with this. 

Cyber Monday Sale: Save $50 and Learn To Travel For Almost FREE

My family of 5 walked on a glacier in Patagonia for almost FREE.  Yep, we saved thousands on our vacation to Chile and Argentina by using strategy and intentionality. Now I'm sharing my secrets with you to help you travel for Almost Free too. 

By joining our AlmostFREEFamilyTravel.com Coaching Program, you'll gain access to all the insider knowledge and tools that made this success story possible. Here’s what you’ll get:

• Video Series: Learn how to maximize your travel rewards and points with easy-to-follow lessons.
• Custom Tracker: Stay organized and on top of your travel goals with our personalized tracker.
• 1:1 Consulting Session: Get expert advice tailored to your travel plans.
• Live Monthly Group Coaching: Join a community of like-minded travelers, ask questions, and get feedback in our monthly live coaching sessions.

And here’s the best part— You can join right now for just $197! That’s a one-time payment for a lifetime of travel hacks, strategies, and savings!

But wait… we’ve got something extra special for you!

Cyber Monday Special: Save $50!

Use the coupon code “CYBERSALE” at checkout to get $50 off the coaching program! This is the best deal we offer, and it expires December 3rd 11:59pm pst.

Don’t Miss Out on This Opportunity!

Don’t spend tons of money on your next vacation. Instead, let us help you travel for almost FREE forever. Join our coaching program today, and start making your travel dreams a reality—just like this success story!

We can’t wait to see you in the program and help you unlock all the amazing travel rewards waiting for you.

Woohoo! Let’s make your next trip an AlmostFREE adventure!

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P.S. The $50 off Cyber Monday deal won’t last forever, so grab your spot now and start planning your next European getaway (or wherever your heart desires)!

Want Your Next Vacation Almost FREE? Black Friday Sale

 

My family of 5 spent 3 weeks in Tahiti for just $5,000! Yep, we saved $15,000 on this vacation by using strategy and intentionality. Now I'm sharing my secrets with you to help you travel for Almost Free too. 

By joining our AlmostFREEFamilyTravel.com Coaching Program, you'll gain access to all the insider knowledge and tools that made this success story possible. Here’s what you’ll get:

• Video Series: Learn how to maximize your travel rewards and points with easy-to-follow lessons.
• Custom Tracker: Stay organized and on top of your travel goals with our personalized tracker.
• 1:1 Consulting Session: Get expert advice tailored to your travel plans.
• Live Monthly Group Coaching: Join a community of like-minded travelers, ask questions, and get feedback in our monthly live coaching sessions.

And here’s the best part— You can join right now for just $197! That’s a one-time payment for a lifetime of travel hacks, strategies, and savings!

But wait… we’ve got something extra special for you!

Black Friday Special: Save $50!

Use the coupon code “BlackFriday” at checkout to get $50 off the coaching program! This is the best deal we offer, and it expires November 30th at 11:59pm PST.

Don’t Miss Out on This Opportunity!

Don’t spend tons of money on your next vacation. Instead, let us help you travel for almost FREE forever. Join our coaching program today, and start making your travel dreams a reality—just like this success story!

We can’t wait to see you in the program and help you unlock all the amazing travel rewards waiting for you.

Woohoo! Let’s make your next trip an AlmostFREE adventure!

---

P.S. The $50 off Black Friday deal won’t last forever, so grab your spot now and start planning your next European getaway (or wherever your heart desires)!

My Favorite Travel Products That Are On Sale Right Now

My Favorite Travel Products (That Are on Sale Right Now!)

Hey there, fellow travel lovers! We all have those travel essentials that make life so much easier on the road, right? The things you simply can’t imagine leaving home without. I definitely have a few favorites, and guess what? They’re all on sale right now—just in time for Black Friday!

Here are my top 5 travel products that I swear by:

1. French Press – Coffee Lovers, This One’s For You!

Okay, I’ll admit it—I’m a bit of a coffee snob. So, it’s no surprise that my #1 travel essential is my trusty French Press. It’s small, portable, and makes a delicious cup of coffee anywhere I go. I used to travel with a glass one, but it broke on my way to Peru (RIP, glass press). Now, I take this steel French Press that’s both durable and practical. It’s only $25 on Amazon and honestly, it’s a game-changer for my mornings on the go.

2. Anker Portable Charger – Never Run Out of Battery Again

If you’ve ever been traveling and suddenly realized your phone is at 1% with no charging outlet in sight, you know the panic that sets in. No maps, no ride-sharing apps, no way to order food… yikes! That’s why I never leave home without my Anker Portable Charger. It’s compact, reliable, and perfect for long days of exploring. Right now, you can grab it for just $15.99 during the Black Friday sale. Trust me, this one will be a lifesaver.

3. Compression Socks – Not Just for Grandma Anymore!

Hear me out—compression socks are one of those things you never think you need until you do. These socks are perfect for long flights or road trips. They help improve blood flow, reduce muscle fatigue, and make traveling so much more comfortable. I used to think they were just for older folks, but now I can’t imagine a trip without them! And the best part? You can get three pairs for just $12 on Amazon right now. They’re a total steal.

4. Universal Travel Adapter – One Adapter to Rule Them All

Gone are the days of carrying around a bunch of different adapters for each country you visit. This universal travel adapter works in over 150 countries, so you can charge your devices no matter where you are. It even lets you charge three devices at once, which is a major win in my book. It’s currently on sale for just $12—and I love using it as a stocking stuffer gift, too!

5. Compression Packing Cubes – The Ultimate Packing Hack

Packing cubes are great, but have you ever tried compression packing cubes? They’re like regular cubes, but with a magical extra feature—they squeeze the air out, making your clothes way more compact. On a recent trip, I used just one cube to fit everything I needed for a weekend getaway, and it worked like a charm. If you’re looking to save space and travel light, these are a game-changer. And guess what? They’re currently on sale for less than $9 during Black Friday!

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So there you have it! These are my favorite travel products, and I’m so excited to share them with you—especially since they’re all on sale right now! Whether you’re planning your next big adventure or just need a few travel hacks to make life easier, these products will have you covered.

Happy shopping, and happy travels! ✈️

Don’t Miss Out on This Opportunity!

Don’t spend tons of money on your next vacation. Instead, let us help you travel for almost FREE forever. Join our coaching program today, and start making your travel dreams a reality—just like this success story!

We can’t wait to see you in the program and help you unlock all the amazing travel rewards waiting for you.

Woohoo! Let’s make your next trip an AlmostFREE adventure!

---

P.S. The $50 off Black Friday deal won’t last forever, so grab your spot now and start planning your next European getaway (or wherever your heart desires)!

Another Client Success Story: $3,000 Off A Trip To Croatia and Greece

 

Woohoo! Another AlmostFREEFamilyTravel.com Success Story!

Are you dreaming of a European getaway without the hefty price tag? Well, get ready for some exciting news!

One of our amazing coaching program students just completed a three-week trip to Croatia and Greece this past summer with her partner, and they saved over $3,000 on their entire trip by leveraging the power of points and miles! Yes, you read that right—$3,000 in savings!

How Did They Do It?

With a little guidance and strategy, they turned their dream vacation into a budget-friendly reality. Here’s how they pulled it off:

• Partner Airlines & Repositioning Flights: By flying with partner airlines and booking repositioning flights, they saved big on international and regional travel.
• Strategic Earning & Redeeming of Points: They mastered the art of earning and redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards and Capital One points to cover flights, hotels, and even upgrades!
• Airport Lounges & Premium Economy Upgrades: Instead of spending money on expensive meals and cramped flights, they relaxed in airport lounges and enjoyed premium economy seats. Talk about luxury for less!

Sounds amazing, right? We’re thrilled to see them experience such incredible success—and you can do the same!

How You Can Do It Too!

By joining our AlmostFREEFamilyTravel.com Coaching Program, you'll gain access to all the insider knowledge and tools that made this success story possible. Here’s what you’ll get:

• Video Series: Learn how to maximize your travel rewards and points with easy-to-follow lessons.
• Custom Tracker: Stay organized and on top of your travel goals with our personalized tracker.
• 1:1 Consulting Session: Get expert advice tailored to your travel plans.
• Live Monthly Group Coaching: Join a community of like-minded travelers, ask questions, and get feedback in our monthly live coaching sessions.

And here’s the best part— You can join right now for just $197! That’s a one-time payment for a lifetime of travel hacks, strategies, and savings!

But wait… we’ve got something extra special for you!

Black Friday Special: Save $50!

Use the coupon code “BlackFriday” at checkout to get $50 off the coaching program! This is the best deal we offer, and it expires November 30th at 11:59pm PST.

Don’t Miss Out on This Opportunity!

Don’t spend tons of money on your next vacation. Instead, let us help you travel for almost FREE forever. Join our coaching program today, and start making your travel dreams a reality—just like this success story!

We can’t wait to see you in the program and help you unlock all the amazing travel rewards waiting for you.

Woohoo! Let’s make your next trip an AlmostFREE adventure!

---

P.S. The $50 off Black Friday deal won’t last forever, so grab your spot now and start planning your next European getaway (or wherever your heart desires)!

Big Win For Airline Travelers Going Into Busy Holiday Travel Season

 

Good news for travelers this busy holiday travel season! 

A new US rule went into effect in late October that will require airlines to issue automatic refunds when your flight gets cancelled significantly delayed. 

What does this mean?

• If your flight is delayed by at least three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international, you will automatically get a refund according to the Department of Transportation. 
• If your arriving or departing airport changes
• If the number of connections changes 
• You are switched onto a plane that's less accessible if you have a disability. 
• If your flight is cancelled 
• Your cabin class is downgraded 
• You also need to be compensated for lost or delayed baggage 
• If you pay for services like wifi, in flight entertainment or seat selection and they were not provided. 

Big Win For Airline Travelers Going Into Busy Holiday Travel Season 

You no longer need to request a refund, you will automatically be refunded to your original payment method within one week or within 20 days if you paid with cash or points. 

Just a reminder, airlines still do not owe your a refund if:

• Personal reasons (sick, you miss your flight)
• Weather or natural disasters 
• Air traffic 
• Safety and security issues

US airlines are still not required to reimburse you for expenses you incur due to the delay or offer hotel or food vouchers. 

If you would like help planning your bucket list trip, reach out to me. I'll help you use points and miles to make your memorable trip affordable.