We tried it: Using points and miles to book travel (without being experts) / 84

There’s no shortage of advice about the right way to use credit card points for travel. Transfer partners, sign-up bonuses, maximizing every redemption... it can start to feel like there’s a test you’re supposed to pass before you’re allowed to book a trip.In this episode, we’re sharing a different perspective. We both recently used credit card points to book summer travel, and neither of us did it in the most optimized way. But instead of waiting until we knew every trick in the book, we used the points we had to save money on trips that mattered to us — and honestly, that felt like a win.Today, we’re breaking down exactly what we booked, how many points we used, what those trips would have cost in cash, and why we ultimately chose simplicity over squeezing every last cent of value from our rewards. If you've ever wondered whether you're "doing points wrong," this episode is your reminder that sometimes, your financial goals matter more than perfect optimization.✨ Episode Highlights ✨[00:00] Why we’re confessing our "imperfect" approach to using credit card points[02:50] Breaking down Cass’s last-minute trip to Toronto — flights, hotels, and how points covered nearly $2,000 in travel[07:15] Why Cassidy chose to redeem points through the Chase Travel portal, even though it's not the strategy most travel experts recommend[09:45] How Emily thought about buying a cross-country flight to Seattle while balancing other financial priorities[11:20] Using Google Flights, Points Path, and airline rewards programs to compare cash versus points[14:10] Why Emily intentionally ignored advice to pay cash and save points for later[15:20] How we earned our travel rewards through Chase, United, and Delta credit cards[17:00] What we’re still learning about transfer partners, airline loyalty, and maximizing points[18:00] Why the "best" redemption depends on your personal financial goals, not someone else's spreadsheet[19:10] Our biggest takeaway: using your points to reduce financial stress is a win, even if it isn't perfectly optimized✨ Resources ✨Points & miles 101 with Ross Alcorn: Turn your credit card rewards into free travel / 52The freedom formula: How to travel, build a career, and save money with Caroline Lupini / 53Points Path Google Flights📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/💖Email us your money questions: [email protected]📸Follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/