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Find an Air Mile Credit Card & Travel Credit Card Deal...
Use Credit Wisely and Receive Rewards, Deals, & Still Pay Them Off Quickly!!
Using an air mile credit card for your discount Florida vacations can be a very smart
idea.
Our Florida travel credit card guide shows you the difference between good debt and bad
debt and how to use your credit cards wisely, where to find online travel deals, and how to
pay them off if you are in over you head!!
Using an air mile credit card  could allow you to fly free by earning
points when you spend, but we'll get to that shortly.
Let's go over
our quick guide to understanding credit cards and how to use a Florida travel credit card
to your advantage.
Note: We are not certified financial experts. This information is from
our own experience and what works for us. If you have any concerns or questions, then
let us know or contact a professional.
First, let's start with the bad and ugly of travel credit.
Are you in a state
of debt? Do you buy a lot on credit? Are you robbing Peter to pay Paul (paying one
monthly balance with another line of credit)? If you are, then we understand...
we
have been in this boat. With a little discipline and time we got out of this situation.
If you already have a bunch of credit and debt and are only making minimum payments, then
do not, and we repeat do not, open an air mile credit card just for your Florida vacations.
We are here
to offer tips on how to use credit wisely, not get you into more debt. Your Florida vacation is temporary
and you must go back to real life (I know, that stinks) and pay the air mile credit card off.
Using credit for bad debt includes, buying things that you use up quickly or buying toys
that you don't need right now. Hey, we all want nice things, but don't go out
and buy, buy, buy, just to look like you have money. You will enter into the downward
spiral of credit and it is tough to get out once you are in too deep.
So, here are our simple tips for paying those babies off before and after your discount Florida vacations:
- Sit down with all your credit cards.
- Figure out exactly what you owe on each and what the minimum payments are.
 Figure out what other bills each month you must pay (mortgage, rent, utilities, cars,
insurance, kids stuff, entertainment, etc...) Don't forget anything you typically spend
money on.
- Figure out how much money you bring home each month...
Can you free any up anywhere
or increase your income somehow?
Things like refinancing your home, looking for a cheaper
car payment, cut back on going out a lot, using coupons for groceries,
starting a small part-time business (like a website?), and so forth. Anything to free
up some extra funds.
- Now, if you are only paying the minimums on your air mile credit card, then you must figure out
how to free up some extra cash each month. Otherwise, you'll be paying on them for up
to 20 years or more (bummer, huh).
- Here is what we did...
It is one way, but not the only way. We took the air mile
credit card with the
smallest balance and paid as much as we could on that. During this time, we
took the other cards, and only
paid the minimums. We didn't use any of them unless it was absolutely necessary.
Once we paid one off, we put that money to the next air mile credit card with the
next lowest balance. We did this until all cards were paid off. Then we kept the
one air mile credit card that offered the lowest rates and best rewards.
I know this sounds simple, but that is our motto (K.I.S.S. keep it simple silly).
It worked for us and can for you too.
- Also, be careful with consolidation. Being in finance, I know that many
professionals look at this as a type of bankruptcy (which isn't always a bad thing).
Be sure that if you
go this route, you understand everything and do your research before you decide to do this.
It may be good if you have no other choice or aren't discipline enough to
do it on your own. It's ok to admit it.
Ok, that is enough of the bad. We just want to make sure that you don't go out
and max out or use your air mile credit card if you are already in debt up to your ears.
Trust me, we have been there.
We only use our cards for good debt now. Things that you can invest in that give
you the potential to earn more money. For example, books, seminars, our website,
businesses, investments, and yes vacations (everyone needs one from time to time), but that is a whole other topic.
That leads me into the good side of having an air mile credit card
and how you can use one to your advantage. There is such a thing as good debt
and we believe that Florida travel is good debt. Just don't use your travel credit
card for the entire trip.
We recommend using your Florida travel credit card to find deals online, book your flights,
car rentals, and Florida beachfront rental. If you find the right air mile credit card, you can obtain
frequent flyer points that get you closer to flying for free.
Do this by picking an airline or a card that offers these points & spend on that
air mile credit card to earn the points. Don't use the travel credit card
if you plan to only get points. Charge intelligently. Think of the points
as a bonus that will get you closer to flying for free to Florida!!
So, lets quickly go through some pointers on picking an air mile credit card...
- Shop around before you decide on a card. However, pick only one to gain points and rewards on- our favorite being American Express.
- Be sure to compare terms and fees before you agree to open an account.
- Look for cards that offer a few months of little or no interest. Sometimes
you can only get no interest if you do things like balance transfers. If it
saves you money and you can pay these off before interest hits, then it may be ok.
Just be careful and read all the terms. Also know about the rates and if they
change or how that works.
- Look for an air mile credit card with no annual fees.
- Be sure you protect yourself from fraud.
- Carry only the travel credit card you intend to use on your trip.
Bottom line, be smart and know what your travel credit cards are about. Be sure to keep them
in a safe place and have a plan if your cards get stolen, lost, or fraud does happen.
Also, keep records in a safe place separate from your air mile credit card.
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Listed below are some resources that you may want to check into in
regards to obtaining an air mile credit card and frequent flyer miles...
We have found this little resource quite useful...
Buy Frequent Flyer Airline Miles and
Unlock Your Free Airline Tickets @
miles4sale.com
If you want a real air mile credit card that takes care of their customers, then sign up for the New JetBlue Card from American Express ®.
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Still haven't found the tips or resources you're looking for? Then try searching for the best travel info available...
I know you saved money here- return for more discounted travels
Found a frequent flier card? You can return to our Home Page here!
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