All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life

The Science of Lasting Happiness with Arthur Brooks

#291: Behavioral social scientist Arthur Brooks joins Chris to reveal why success and happiness follow different rules as we age. They dig into fluid vs. crystallized intelligence, success addiction and dopamine, the reverse bucket list, and how to actually buy happiness. Arthur C. Brooks is a Harvard Professor, musician, and columnist for the Atlantic, where he writes the weekly "How to Build a Life" column. He is the bestselling author of numerous books on happiness and human flourishing. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/arthur-brooks-happiness-success-purpose/ Partner Deals Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Trust & Will: ⁠Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans Zocdoc: Find and instantly book a doctor you love today Trust & Will: ⁠Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans Quince: Affordable luxury essentials with free shipping + 365 day returns For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Arthur: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Some of Arthur's Books From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life Love Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America from the Culture of Contempt Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth About Compassionate Conservatism -- America's Charity Divide -- Who Gives, Who Doesn't, and Why It Matters Selected Works from the Atlantic How to Build a Life - Arthur's Column Are you Epicurus or Epictetus Article Books Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Elizabeth Dunn and Dr Michael Norton The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl Meditations by Marcus Aurelius The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh The Confessions by Saint Augustine The Bible Barcelona Recommendations Roman Ruins Sagrada Familia Romanesque Churches and Gothic Cathedrals ATH Podcast #36: Bucket Lists, Audacious Goals and Living the Life You Want with Ben Nemtin Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:17) How Arthur Defines Happiness (03:50) Quizzes to Diagnose Your Happiness (04:38) Fluid vs. Crystallized Intelligence (05:55) The Two Types of Geniuses (09:01) How to Jump the Curve (13:18) Darwin and Bach's Success Curves (16:56) Success Addiction and Dopamine (19:00) Hustle Culture, Workism and Metacognition (21:19) How Often You Really Need to Journal (22:46) When Love and Money Are Idols (24:40) The Good Four: Faith, Family, Friends and Work (29:13) The Happiness Algorithm: Understand, Apply, Share (30:41) Why Sharing and Teaching Happiness Matters (31:45) Bringing Faith and Meditation Into Your Life (34:15) Lectio Divina: Divine Reading (35:23) The Science of Satisfaction (37:49) Social Comparison, the Thief of Joy (38:39) How to Make a Better Bucket List (43:34) How to Actually Buy Happiness (47:09) Technology, Loneliness and Happiness (48:54) Turning Weakness Into Strength (50:51) Why Negative Emotions Make Us More Effective (51:20) Optimism vs. Hope (52:23) When It's Time to Leave a Job (54:18) Arthur's Recommendations for Barcelona (55:26) The Airplane Story That Inspired From Strength to Strength (57:33) Where to Find More From Arthur Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The New Rules of Points & Miles in 2026 with Brian M

#290: Chris and Brian break down the biggest trends reshaping points and miles. They discuss new ways to earn transferable points without a credit card, the award search tools worth using right now, a six-month check-in on Bilt, and what's coming next for premium cards. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/new-rules-points-miles-2026/⁠ Partner Deals DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web NetSuite: ⁠Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today Trust & Will: ⁠Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans MasterClass: ⁠Learn from the world's best with 15% off For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Award Search & Points Tools Seats.aero Points Path (15% off with ALLTHEHACKS15) PointsYeah Earning Points Beyond Credit Cards Symphony Silo Markets Rove X Money ATH Podcast #89: Booking Flights with Points and All Things Award Travel with Tiffany Funk #262: Points & Miles in 2026: What's New, What's Dying & What's Next with Brian M #288: Where to Keep Your Cash for the Highest Return Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:49) Why 2026 Feels Different and Reasons to Stay Hopeful (02:26) Credit Card Interest Rate Caps Never Materialized (03:20) Why Debit Rewards Cards Are Becoming More Interesting (05:58) Six Months Into Southwest’s Transformation (13:14) Are Credit Card Retention Offers Drying Up? (14:23) The Unbundling of Airfare Keeps Expanding (15:25) Could Award Flights Lose Their Flexibility? (17:14) Foreign Airline Programs Push Into the US Market (19:58) Hotel Award Inflation (and What Cash Prices Reveal) (27:31) Banks Crack Down on Points Gaming (30:32) Qatar's New Restrictions on Booking for Others (32:54) New Ways to Earn Transferable Points Without Credit Cards (36:16) The Best Tools for Points & Miles (40:35) Why Cardholder Pricing Is Becoming a Bigger Advantage (42:04) United's New Cards and the Truth About "10% Off" (44:01) Transfer Bonuses and the Risk of Speculative Transfers (49:06) American’s Changes to Partner Award Availability (49:56) Pooling Airline Miles With Family (52:12) Brian's Biggest Prediction for the Year Ahead (55:23) Six Months Later: Is Bilt Delivering? (01:00:31) Will We See More Premium Credit Cards? (01:03:19) Is There Still Hope for U.S. Bank Transfer Partners? (01:04:53) What’s Next for the Amex Green Card? (01:05:31) Just Let the Points Coupons Go Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How We Booked a $20,000 Vacation With Points

Chris and Amy booked a last-minute week in Bora Bora that would have cost over $20,000, almost entirely on points. They break down how it came together, why they chose Bora Bora over Fiji, the Marriott award search quirk that hid available rooms, flying business class in both directions by mixing two airlines, and using card travel credits on the inter-island flights. Then, three nights in, they decided to abandon the deal and pay more to switch resorts. They compare and rank the major Bora Bora resorts, weigh points versus cash, and explain what makes French Polynesia one of the easiest long-haul trips from the West Coast. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/bora-bora-on-points-2026/ Partner Deals Haven: Skip the waitlist for the best sauna. Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Thrive Market: ⁠30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift Bilt Rewards: ⁠Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Superhuman: ⁠Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Hotels & Resorts Hotel Upgrade Program The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Conrad Bora Bora Nui The Brando Le Taha'a Nanuku Resort Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Products Monopoly Deal Health & Sauna Research Bryan Johnson — Is Sauna ACTUALLY Good For You? (90-Day Experiment) ATH Podcast #285: Why Net Fulfillment Beats Net Worth with Bill Perkins #287: Putting Die With Zero Into Practice with Brad Barrett Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:09) How a Kid-Free Trip Came Together (03:33) How Chris and Amy Choose Vacation Destinations (13:09) Why French Polynesia Over Fiji (14:59) Booking The Westin (20:43) Flying Business Class Both Ways on Two Different Airlines (26:22) Air Tahiti Nui and the Inter-Island Flights (31:15) A Surprise First Class Upgrade on Air Moana (32:47) Arriving in Bora Bora and Checking Into The Westin (34:29) First Impressions: A Brand-New Property with Great Bones (37:33) A Thousand Little Cuts: The Westin's Service Problems (44:50) The Math Behind Checking Out Early (52:21) The Four Seasons vs. The Westin: What the Extra Money Buys (59:23) Why the Four Seasons Spa Facilities Stood Out (01:00:37) Getting Serious About Sauna Again (01:05:51) Pickleball, Paddleboarding, and Space to Get Lost (01:08:00) Did the Four Seasons Save the Trip? (01:13:18) How to Actually Get Deals at the Four Seasons (01:16:20) Ranking All Four Bora Bora Resorts (01:19:32) Why Fiji Is Still at the Top of the List (01:21:45) Where AI Can Go Wrong (01:23:15) Packing a Travel Med Bag for Remote Destinations (01:24:20) Final Thoughts and Why Bora Bora Keeps Winning Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where to Keep Your Cash for the Highest Return

#288: Chris breaks down exactly where to park your cash to earn the most, whether you have $10,000 or a few million. From high-yield savings accounts and Treasury ETFs to brokerage bonuses and cash management accounts, he explains the tradeoffs that actually matter—and why the highest advertised interest rate isn't always the best choice. He also shares the interactive tool he built to compare nearly 100 cash options based on your specific situation. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/where-to-put-your-cash-2026 Partner Deals Wispr Flow: ⁠Try effortless voice dictation for free Quince: Affordable luxury essentials with free shipping + 365 day returns DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web Trust & Will: ⁠Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Tools & Resources Chris's Cash Options Comparison Tool Doctor of Credit: Best High Yield Savings Accounts Doctor of Credit: Best Brokerage Bonuses Doctor of Credit: Best Bank Account Bonuses FedWatch Polymarket Kalshi Cash Accounts & Fintechs Silo Markets Bask® Mileage Savings Account ATH Podcast Ep #62: Protect Your Family, Mitigate Taxes and Preserve Your Wealth with Patrick and Mani Ep #177: Best Bank Account Setup to Earn Interest on All Your Cash Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:49) Why Cash Deserves Its Own Strategy (02:46) Why the Stock Market Isn't for Cash (05:18) Why After-Tax Yield Matters More Than the Rate (08:18) How Different Tax Treatments Change Your Return (13:05) Building a Cash Comparison Tool in Claude (14:12) Why Traditional Bank Accounts Are the Worst Option (14:39) How High-Yield Savings Accounts Really Work (17:57) Understanding FDIC Insurance and Keeping Your Cash Safe (19:52) SIPC Coverage for Brokerage Accounts (20:12) Why Friction Can Cost You More Than Yield (21:47) Treasuries, Money-Market Funds, and ETFs (24:05) Cash Management Accounts as a Bridge (25:30) Box Spreads and Other Advanced Cash Strategies (28:58) How Cash Bonuses Can Boost Your Returns (32:44) Negotiating Brokerage Bonuses at Scale (34:24) Earning Points on Your Brokerage Account with Silo (41:05) Walking Through the Cash Comparison Tool (44:11) The Big Takeaways by Tax Bracket (45:09) The High-Yield Savings Baseline (48:02) Why Friction Beat Optimization (50:13) Stacking Bank and Brokerage Bonuses (54:06) The Best Cash Strategy Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Putting Die With Zero Into Practice with Brad Barrett

#287: Chris and Brad Barrett revisit "Die With Zero" and confront how much harder Bill Perkins' ideas are to live than to agree with. They dig into when frugality flips from superpower to liability, the maximizer's struggle to let go, optimizing for the perfect Tuesday over the once-a-year trip, and giving money to your kids while it still matters. Brad is the co-host of the ChooseFI podcast and co-author of Choose FI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/die-with-zero-revisited-brad-barrett/. Partner Deals Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Fabric: ⁠Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Thrive Market: ⁠30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift Bilt Rewards: ⁠Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent MasterClass: ⁠Learn from the world's best with 15% off For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Brad Barrett: Website | X Book: Choose FI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Podcast: The ChooseFI Podcast Newsletter: The ChooseFI Newsletter The Tuesday Project Books & Articles Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life The Tail End by Tim Urban The Skill of Spending | Mr. Money Mustache Tools The Big Ass Calendar Copilot Money ATH Podcast Ep #68: Hosting Cocktail Parties, Building Relationships, Museum Strategies and Friends Newsletters with Nick Gray Ep #189: Beyond the 4% Rule: Smarter Strategies for Financial Independence with Karsten Jeske Ep #282: Saving Money and Optimizing is My Kryptonite Ep #285: Why Net Fulfillment Beats Net Worth with Bill Perkins Best Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:14) Revisiting "Die With Zero" Four Years Later (06:50) Is Intentional Frugality a Superpower? (08:48) Where Chris Still Struggles to Spend (15:04) The Psychology of Spending (19:53) Maximizer vs. Satisficer: What Are You Optimizing For? (23:35) Matching Your Effort to the Season of Life You're In (25:04) How to Let Go When You Want to Do Everything (31:50) Optimizing for Lasting Happiness (37:23) Don't Run Away From What Lights You Up (38:43) What Are You Actually Chasing More Money For? (44:01) What Are You Really Saving For? (45:46) Giving Money to Kids (and Causes) While It Still Matters (50:40) Hedging Retirement Risk by Moving, Not Working Longer (53:00) Fear Wasting Your Life More Than Running Out of Money (57:52) Chris's Vision for a Family Summer Camp (01:02:36) Building a Time-Bucket List of One-Off Dreams (01:03:44) The Case for Doing "Nothing" on a Trip (01:04:23) Chris's Three Main Takeaways (01:06:23) Lowering the Barrier to Real-Life Connection (01:09:55) Defining Net Fulfillment For Yourself Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices