You're going to get credit cards, let's discuss them.
This was the best thing my dad has said to me. I was about to begin my teaching career at the age of 21. He helped me buy secondhand furniture, hang things on the walls, and think about credit cards.
I celebrated my 30th birthday in Hawaii with my best friend. We were able to go because I had booked it using points and miles, even though we couldn't afford cash. One of the best gifts my dad could have given me was the conversation he had with me about credit cards.
My family used to go on fun trips on the calendar. Most of the time, it was trips to cities like Chicago or theme parks. Most kids think what they do is normal. Credit cards made these trips possible.
When my dad got his first rewards credit card in 1990 he began his points and miles hobby. In the early '90s he encountered a lot of places that didn't accept credit cards. We began using points and miles for family trips when more and more rewards credit cards were available.
My parents traveled more as empty nesters when I attended college. My dad learned how to maximize his credit card rewards. He and my mom would frequently travel to places like New York City and San Diego, sparking envy in me when they sent photos from their adventures.
I wasn't sold on the idea of credit card rewards when my dad told me about it the day after graduation. I was overwhelmed by the concepts I did not know. I didn't know what an annual fee was, and I didn't understand why I would want multiple cards. I didn't see the value in the rewards he talked about because I hadn't tried to travel on my own yet.
I began to think about the travel I could accomplish with the help of credit card rewards. My dad paid for our family's trip to London and Paris with points and miles, and he took our family on a trip to London and Paris as well. He explained to me how to get our flights, hotels, and even train tickets using only credit card rewards.
I was drawn to it.
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When my dad talked about credit cards, I started paying attention to what he was saying. Some good beginner cards were suggested by him. He taught me how to spot a good redemption, how to stretch my points and miles, and how to decide if a card's annual fee was worth it.
I started my own hobby with a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card and a cash-back card because of the strategies I used. When I got the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, I learned to maximize my points.
The hotel for my friends' beach trip was covered by the bonus from my I hg Select card. My Southwest card allowed me to use my points to fly to California and join a friend for a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. I used the bonus from my A Advantage card to check out the item on my bucket list. It was the only way I could afford to do the things I wanted to do, and using credit cards was the only way to do it.
My credit card conversations with my father are different now. He's working on planning travel for when my parents retire, and I'm trying to figure out how to use my points and miles for a trip to Australia next year.
My dad gave me a travel rewards foundation and I'm taking advantage of all the knowledge I've been given. I think it's time to get a card like The Platinum Card from American Express that gives me airport lounge access since I'm going to do more international travel. I know I wouldn't be doing anything if he hadn't shown me how to do it.
This hobby is even more enjoyable when you share it with someone you love. Sharing the points and miles hobby is a gift that keeps on giving, even though it is a bit cliché.
My dad's hobby has helped both of us. I'll always be thankful that my dad got into points and miles when he was younger.
If you don't know where to start, go to the beginner guide.
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