Your Strategy Worksheet
Answer these questions to build your personalized approach:
1. What Are Your Travel Goals?
- Where do you want to go in the next 1-2 years?
- Economy or premium cabin?
- How often do you travel?
- Solo, couple, or family?
2. What's Your Spending Profile?
- Monthly spending by category (dining, groceries, travel, etc.)
- Any large planned expenses coming up?
- Can you comfortably meet $4-6k minimum spend in 3 months?
3. What's Your Current Status?
- Cards you already have
- Your 5/24 count
- Credit score range
- Existing points balances
Sample Strategies
The Domestic Traveler
Profile: Visits family across the US, occasional beach vacation, values simplicity.
Strategy:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred + Freedom Flex combo
- Focus on Hyatt for hotels (best value)
- Use Southwest for domestic when Chase doesn't have good options
- 2-3 cards total, minimal complexity
The International Explorer
Profile: Dreams of international trips, willing to learn the system, values experiences.
Strategy:
- Start with Chase (under 5/24), then add Amex Gold
- Learn Virgin → ANA sweet spot for Asia
- Flying Blue promos for Europe
- Build toward business class redemptions
The Premium Cabin Seeker
Profile: Wants business/first class internationally, higher spending, values luxury.
Strategy:
- Amex Platinum + Gold for earning
- Chase Sapphire Reserve for Hyatt + travel
- Focus on partner sweet spots (Virgin, Turkish, Avianca)
- Book 330 days out for premium availability
The Family Traveler
Profile: Family of 4, needs multiple tickets, budget-conscious but wants good experiences.
Strategy:
- Southwest for Companion Pass (essentially 2-for-1 domestic)
- Hyatt for family suites
- Focus on volume over premium cabins
- Portal bookings when award availability is tight
Your Action Plan
This Week
- ☐ Count your 5/24 status
- ☐ List your current cards and points
- ☐ Identify your top spending categories
This Month
- ☐ Choose your next card based on your strategy
- ☐ Sign up for relevant loyalty programs
- ☐ Set up a simple tracking system
This Quarter
- ☐ Earn your first (or next) welcome bonus
- ☐ Research award availability for a target trip
- ☐ Book something—even if it's not "perfect"
🎓 Congratulations!
You've completed all four levels of Points Clarity. You now have the knowledge to earn points strategically, redeem them for maximum value, and build a sustainable approach that works for years to come.
The only thing left is to put it into practice. Book that trip. Take that adventure. That's what this was all for.
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