Last Post Of 2012

What a year for MileNerd! The feedback I’ve gotten from you guys is ridiculously heartwarming. In my last post of the year, I want to talk about something that comes up a lot.

How I can help you – I love the feedback about posts you’d like to see, but I’m dealing with a problem (a really good problem). This blog has grown a lot. I should probably add comments, but I’m just not ready to do that yet. I’ll keep responding to every question and idea for posts. I’ll answer as fast as I can, but that’s become much slower lately. For those on Facebook, add me and contact me through there. I’m finding it much easier to keep comments organized that way. I do really enjoy getting to know each other, but man, that messaging feature is such a better way for me to respond to questions.

How you can help me – This one is hard. I’m beyond terrible at asking for things. People keep emailing to paypal me money, help me out in some way, etc. Reader (and now friend) Dan even sent me a gift in the mail today! Here’s the thing, guys. I’m not taking donations. At some point, I’ll find a way to monetize MileNerd without selling out. The only thing you could do for me is to bring referrals to my “real life” business. You can think of me as your worldwide real estate expert. If you know anyone looking to buy or sell anywhere, send them my way. I’ll find them a top-rated agent in their area. Obviously, if anyone is looking in Southern California, I’ll be able to do the deal personally. Other than that, I don’t want or need anything. I really appreciate the offers…you guys are crazy nice…but keep your money.

So, until 2013 it is! Take a week and get away from blogs, Flyertalk, and anything to do with airline miles. Completely get away from it. Enjoy your families and come back refreshed. We’ve got a lot to do in the new year. Happy holidays, my MileNerds!

New Card Offer & AwardWallet Drama

  • Decent new 45,000 mile credit card offer from Delta here. Not spectacular, but decent. Spend $3,000 in 3 months to get the bonus from American Express.
  • I’ve been the biggest AwardWallet fan out there. It’s a huge key to my staying organized. But with United joining Delta, Southwest, and American in being crappy…I’m wondering what the future holds. Can AwardWallet continue to give us what we need? Read here.

Platinum Hotel Status At Accor

If you missed this earlier in the year, you have another shot. Get free Platinum status at Accor hotels (their Sofitel brand is amazing). It’s nice to have, and you can get some other hotel brands to match your status – great for upgrades, late checkout, etc. Click here.

How To Get Better At This In 2013

We’re all at different levels of this game, but there’s room to grow no matter who you are. If you don’t have a goal in mind for 2013, here’s some thoughts for each level:
  • Emo People – If you’re too cool for this hobby, quit lingering. Saving thousands of dollars on vacations isn’t worth an hour per week to you? If that’s the case, pick a side. Get in or get out.
  • Newbies – Educate yourself and move past the newbie stage. If you stay a newbie for more than a year, you’re not actually a newbie. You’re lazy. Flyertalk, blogs, and my Newbie Guide are places to start. You’ll get a basic understanding of how it works in just a few hours. Read, read, read!
  • Bad Credit People – You have bigger problems than a shortage of miles. If your credit is bad, that’s your main concern. The equivalent of Flyertalk for credit is www.creditboards.com.
  • Credit Wusses – If you have great credit but are scared to apply for cards, how long are you going to keep reading without diving in? Fair question. To me, it seems like you’re wasting a lot of time.
  • Sloppy People – Are you making up information on your AmEx card applications? Are you now stuck with a Financial Review? Did you overdo a Paypal card and get your Paypal account shut down? Stop making things so obvious. Don’t be dumb.
  • The Middle Class – This is most of you. You have a fair amount of cards and you earn a decent amount of miles. Are you using Bluebird? Are you doing anything with prepaid cards or gift cards? Have you discovered loopholes to exploit? Do you have any buddies in the game with you? The way this hobby is trending, it’s important to network with people because deals are getting killed faster.
  • The Studs – You have more miles than you can use. You know more than most. So what? Don’t be like one of those rich old jerks who sits at home and doesn’t spend his money. Use your miles more. The point of this is to have fun experiences. And when people try to learn from you, don’t be so paranoid. Very few people are trying to screw you over. Most just want to learn from you.

Holiday Flowers

Sending flowers for the holidays? Get either 30 United or American miles per dollar spent.

Again, based on the number of emails I’ve gotten, I don’t think anyone missed my post from 2 weeks ago. But I did promise I’d do it the next 2 Mondays, so here it is. That’s the last time I’m posting it. I’ve got a message board to build!