Never leave money on the table. This is your shortcut to upgrading your life, money and travel—all while spending less and saving more. Get tactical moves and deep dives into designing a life you’re excited about.
Host Chris Hutchins is a life hacker who has saved millions by breaking down every aspect of life and looking to maximize happiness at the lowest cost. Chris and guests like Tim Ferriss, Tony Hawk, Codie Sanchez and Gary Vaynerchuk are here to deliver smart strategies you can plug into your own life—from a money hack that increases your net worth, to a routine change that boosts your productivity.
Site
RSS
Spotify
Apple
Data updated on 05/11/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
#301: Chris revisits the rules, products, and strategies he’s changed his mind about, and what he’s doing differently now. He covers a surprising airfare pricing quirk, major updates from U.S. Bank, Bilt, Alaska and Bank of America, and why he’s scaling back his AI experimentation. Plus, new thoughts on browsers, AR glasses, skincare, and hiring.
Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:45) Why One-Way Flights Can Cost More Than a Round Trip (05:23) U.S. Bank Finally Adds Transfer Partners (07:38) New Ways to Use Bilt Cash (12:42) Going All In on Alaska (Again) (18:46) Why Bank of America Cards Could Become Great Alaska Cards (23:53) Accidentally Ending Up with a $2k Gold Credit Card (27:43) The End of Auto-Adding Every Amex Offer (30:16) Why Building Your Own AI Tools Often Isn't Worth It (36:18) Leaving Arc, Trying Chrome, and Switching to Dia (39:27) The AR Glasses Worth Wearing on Every Flight (41:52) A Skincare Routine Simple Enough to Stick (43:58) Rethinking Hiring a Full-Time Employee (46:08) Is Video Worth It for This Podcast?
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Luxury Europe for 70% Less: Switzerland & Lake Como with Amy Fox
Episode 300
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 • Duration 01:20:28
#300: Chris and Amy break down how they planned an unforgettable trip to Switzerland and Lake Como mostly on points, miles, and free-night certificates. They share how speculative bookings and award alerts landed them better business class flights, the rental car hack that avoided a cross-border drop-off fee, and one of the best uses of Hilton points around. Plus, an inside look at a fairy tale hotel for families in Switzerland.
10 Lessons for Better Decisions About Money and Life
Episode 299
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 • Duration 01:20:41
#299: My top 10 takeaways from a retreat for high-net-worth investors, which covered money, health, AI, parenting, relationships, and more. We explore why what you measure shapes your behavior, how to start using AI agents, why simple rules beat perfect plans, how to teach kids about money, and why “later” may be the most expensive word in your vocabulary.
Tad Fallows is the co-founder of Long Angle, a private community for investors with $3 million or more in investable assets. He previously co-founded iLab Solutions, a research software company acquired by Agilent Technologies.
How to Earn Points on Your Savings and Investments
Episode 298
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 • Duration 01:19:54
#298: Chris breaks down how to earn airline miles and transferable points on money you’re already saving or investing (and whether the rewards are actually worth the tradeoffs). He compares mileage-earning bank accounts from Bask, United and Alaska, the new Bank of America and Alaska transfer partnership, Silo’s brokerage rewards program, and Symphony’s higher-yield approach. Plus, the welcome offers ending this fall that change the first-year math, and a short interview with Symphony's founders.
Have Better Conversations and Build Deeper Connections with Vanessa Van Edwards
Episode 297
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 • Duration 01:11:18
#297: Learn how to turn small talk, awkward encounters, and everyday logistics into conversations that actually matter. Chris and Vanessa explore the chemistry behind great conversations, how to find the topics that make people light up, and the three levels of conversation that lead to deeper connection.
The Best Cell Phone Plans (and How I’m Saving Big)
Episode 296
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 • Duration 50:12
#296: You're probably overpaying for cell service, and switching could save you hundreds of dollars a year without sacrificing coverage or features. Chris breaks down what's changed with the big carriers and MVNOs, the math behind "free phone" deals, the few features only AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile still offer, and his shortlist of the best unlimited plans. He also shares the cheapest backup line for two-factor texts, a $20 home internet backup, how to think about cell phone insurance, and the smartest way to buy a new iPhone.
Turning the Tables: My Approach to Points, Miles and Travel
Episode 295
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 • Duration 01:02:01
#295: Chris shares the strategies he actually uses to earn, spend, and maximize millions of points and miles. He breaks down how many credit cards most people really need, his approach to booking award travel for a family, the rise of massive card-member flight discounts, when to pay cash vs. points, and some of his favorite—and most unusual—redemptions.
Meghan Coyle and Sally French are the hosts of NerdWallet's Smart Travel podcast, a weekly show on travel news, loyalty programs and travel credit cards that helps listeners travel more and pay less.
Deep Dive on World of Hyatt: Points, Perks and Status
Episode 294
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 • Duration 01:07:07
#294: Chris breaks down everything he's learned going all in on World of Hyatt. He covers the brands and footprint, earning points with Hyatt credit cards and transfers, what points are really worth, every status tier and milestone reward, and how to get Globalist treatment without having status.
How to Make Your Home Healthier at Any Budget with Dom Francks
Episode 293
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 • Duration 01:08:22
#293: Learn to make your home healthier by focusing on the environmental factors that actually matter. Chris and Dom break down how to improve air and water quality, ventilation, mold prevention, lighting, and EMF exposure, plus what to prioritize in your bedroom, which popular healthy-home products to avoid, and the best upgrades at any budget.
Dom Francks is the General Manager of Lightwork Home, a Stanford-trained engineer, and former climate-tech product leader.
What Happens to Your Points and Miles When You Die?
Episode 292
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 • Duration 54:09
#292: What happens to your points and miles when you die? And how can you make sure they don’t disappear? Chris breaks down how major banks, airlines, and hotel programs handle rewards after death, strategies to protect or transfer your points, and the steps you can take now to make things easier for your family. Plus, learn what to do if you’re already dealing with a loved one’s rewards, why documenting your accounts and logins matters, and the surprising rules around gift cards, divorce, and timeshares.
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:04) What You Measure Dictates What You Do (05:57) Don't Let the Optimal Get in the Way of the Beneficial (15:13) How to Get Started with AI Agents (26:28) Why Established Managers Outperform Emerging Ones (35:07) Good Plans Die in the Paperwork (39:48) Simple Rules You'll Follow Beat Perfect Rules You Won't (46:54) T.U.N.E. Parenting: Balancing Connection with Boundaries (58:23) Your Environment Beats Your Willpower (01:04:11) Talk Less and Ask Better Questions (01:11:17) "Later" Is the Most Expensive Word (01:18:55) The Meta Takeaway: Pick One Thing and Start Today
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:50) How to Earn Points on Your Savings (05:01) Bank Accounts That Pay Airline Miles (05:41) Earning American Miles with Bask Bank (14:13) Why United's Mileage Debit Card Falls Short (17:09) Alaska’s Upcoming Rewards Banking Account (17:48) Boosting Bank of America Points, Now Transferable to Alaska (20:29) How Silo Pays Points on Your Brokerage Account (26:22) Changes Coming to Silo on November 1st (32:40) Silo's New Welcome Bonus (35:52) Can You Trust Silo With Your Investments? (36:31) Earning 5% or 5X Points with Symphony (38:52) Where Your Money Actually Goes at Symphony (39:22) Bucket 1: Treasury Bills (40:18) Bucket 2: CLOs (41:37) Bucket 3: Private Credit (43:24) Bucket 4: Crypto Lending (46:20) Pooled Accounts and SIPC Protection (46:57) What the Crypto Wallet Does (and Doesn't) Protect (47:33) How Fast You Can Get Your Money Out (49:17) Risk #1: The Rate Gets Cut (49:55) Risk #2: Withdrawals Slow Down (50:17) Risk #3: You Lose Part of Your Investment (51:05) Risk #4: An FTX-Style Collapse (51:49) My Overall Take on Symphony (54:21) Breaking Down Symphony's Welcome Offer (57:04) Recap: Mileage Bank Accounts (58:38) Recap: Silo (59:57) Recap: Symphony (01:02:02) Interview with Symphony's Founders (01:04:01) How Symphony Layers Its Risk Protection (01:08:02) What Happens If Everyone Withdraws at Once (01:09:54) Why the Blockchain Ledger Matters If Symphony Goes Away (01:16:15) What’s Next: Transfer Partners, Experiences and AI Booking
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:45) How to Make Every Conversation Matter (02:12) The DOS Cocktail: The Chemistry of a Great Conversation (05:15) Turning Everyday Interactions Into Meaningful Conversations (14:05) Treating Small Talk Like a Treasure Hunt (15:31) How to Start a Meaningful Conversation (20:53) Can Conversational Courage Go Too Far? (23:08) A Framework for Asking Better Questions (27:01) Why You Can't Skip Straight to Deep Conversation (30:20) Level 1: General Traits (32:11) Level 2: Personal Concerns (32:40) Level 3: Your Self-Narrative (34:48) How to Be Conversationally Generous (37:18) What to Do When You're Just Not Clicking (38:54) How to Become a Better Conversational Storyteller (41:18) Turning Any Conversation Into a Chance to Learn (43:04) Mindset Tricks for Warmer, Easier Conversations (47:00) How to Know If You’re Talking Too Much (51:31) Why Some "Great" Questions Are Actually Hard to Answer (53:35) The Ideal Length of a Conversational Turn (55:12) How Talking to AI Is Changing How We Talk to People (58:53) Using AI to Become a Better Conversationalist (01:01:02) Deeper Conversations With Your Partner (Beyond the Logistics) (01:07:51) Did This Feel Like a Real Conversation? (01:08:35) What to Expect from Vanessa's New Book
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:53) The Current State of Cell Phone Plans (05:40) Why Major Carriers Are So Expensive (11:55) Features You Can Only Get From Major Carriers (13:46) How to Pick the Right Network for Where You Live (14:48) What Is Premium Data and Does It Matter? (16:22) Understanding Video Streaming Limits (16:46) How Much High-Speed Data Do You Need? (16:59) Comparing Hotspot Data (17:08) International Coverage, Tablets & Smartwatches (17:18) The Best Alternatives to Major Carriers (19:40) The Cheapest Unlimited Plan: Mint Mobile (20:29) US Mobile Starter on AT&T (Dark Star) (22:06) Total Wireless Max 5G on Verizon (22:56) How Much More You Get for $25–$32 a Month (24:42) Why Chris Is Switching to US Mobile Unlimited Premium (25:21) Visible Plus Pro: A Steal if the Promo Pricing Lasts (28:41) The Bottom Line on the Best Affordable Plans (29:43) US Mobile’s Killer Multi-Network Feature (35:19) Choosing Between Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile on US Mobile (36:58) The Cheapest Backup Line for Two-Factor Texts (38:30) Setting Up Cellular Backup Internet at Home (41:29) Cell Phone Insurance: Credit Cards vs. AppleCare vs. Carrier Plans (44:44) How to Get the Best Deal on a New iPhone
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:06) How Chris Got Into Points & Miles (05:01) When Chris Became a Points & Miles “Expert” (07:25) Paying for a Wedding Video With Delta Miles (13:38) Why Chasing an Extra Point per Dollar Doesn't Move the Needle (15:34) The Optimal Two-Card Strategy (16:50) Maximizing Points Without Overspending (19:52) Should You Buy Gift Cards to Earn More Points? (22:36) Booking Award Travel for a Family (25:06) Chris’ Strategy for Finding Award Flights (27:34) Leveraging Flexibility and Award Search Tools (31:45) What to Do With Points If You Don't Want to Play the Game (34:30) Setting Alerts and Picking One Award Search Tool (37:01) The Huge Discounts Hidden Behind Airline Credit Cards (39:21) The Risks of Speculative Bookings (41:08) When Chris Breaks His Own Transfer Rule (45:15) The Easiest Way to Redeem Points When You Don't Want the Hobby (47:17) Are Hotel Redemptions Easier Than Flights? (51:07) The Real Math Behind Cash vs. Points (55:02) Chris's Rule of Thumb for Comparing Cash and Points (56:12) A Trick for Getting Refunds on Flights You Need to Cancel (59:03) Chris’ Take on the New Southwest
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:48) The World of Hyatt (08:05) Where Hyatt Is (and Isn't) Around the World (12:17) How the World of Hyatt Program Works (15:51) Earning Points with Hyatt Experiences (16:23) Transferring Points from Credit Cards (17:43) Earning Points with Hyatt Personal and Business Credit Cards (26:07) Why Buying Points Is Rarely a Good Deal (26:46) Maximizing Hyatt Promotions (27:21) Earning Points with Peloton (28:06) Converting Aeroplan and American Points (30:41) Understanding Hyatt Status Tiers (35:51) Guest of Honor Awards (36:55) Getting Globalist Perks on Paid Stays with Hyatt Privé (38:41) Using Points to Upgrade Your Room (39:05) Milestone Rewards: 20 and 30 Nights (41:00) 40 Nights: Guest of Honor and the Suite Upgrade Award (43:14) 50 and 60 Nights: Reaching Globalist (44:30) 70 to 150 Nights: Milestones Beyond Globalist (46:18) Transferring Awards and Certificates to Others (47:40) The Hyatt Brand Explorer Program (50:31) Fast Tracking Status with Hyatt Challenges (53:20) How Far Should You Go for Status? (53:53) What Are Hyatt Points Really Worth? (58:53) How Bad Was the May Devaluation? (01:00:51) A Fun Hack for All-Inclusives (01:01:12) How to Find Hyatt Award Availability (01:02:52) Getting Discounts and Perks on Cash Stays (01:04:14) Hyatt's Best Rate Guarantee
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:16) Your Points & Miles Aren’t Actually Your Property (02:31) Can You Legally Access a Deceased Person's Accounts? (07:49) What Happens to Bank & Credit Card Points After Death (09:52) Why Amex Is One of the Most Generous Programs (14:00) Transferring Points Before Someone Passes Away (17:32) How Annual Fees Are Handled (18:01) What Happens to Business Cards (18:28) Moving Bank Points to Loyalty Programs (19:01) What Happens to Airline Miles (23:18) Why You Should Push Back With Airlines (24:22) Other Ways to Use or Preserve Airline Miles (25:59) How Hotel Points Are Handled (and Why They're Easier) (31:36) Hotel Certificates & Flight Credits (32:50) What Happens to Rental Car Points (34:04) Don't Hoard Your Points (34:21) Document Every Account and Login (37:26) Set Up Points Pooling and Authorized Users in Advance (37:52) Leave Clear Instructions for Your Heirs (38:12) Why You Need a Financial Power of Attorney (38:46) Don't Let Auto-Pays Shut Down an Account (39:17) Proactively Transfer Points Out (39:55) Where to Move Bank Points in a Hurry (45:40) Choosing Someone to Manage Your Points & Miles (47:09) The Checklist for When a Family Member Passes (48:30) Hang Up, Call Again (50:04) Document Everything You Do (50:39) How Points Are Handled in Divorce (51:40) Why Gift Cards Are Different (51:59) The Risks of Inheriting a Timeshare
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Details about All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life, a podcast by Chris Hutchins
Discover shows related to All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
