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July 17, 2017

How to Travel to Disney for (nearly) Free – with Brad Barrett

How-to-Travel-to-Disney-for-Free-Wordpress

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Six years ago, I decided to go credit card free. I had gone through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University where the credit card was labeled as the enemy of financial freedom. Since Mr. Ramsey’s advice had helped me in so many other areas of my financial life, like paying off our debt and getting proper insurance coverage, I thought avoiding credit cards completely was the smart way to go.

Last year, I decided that the concept of going credit card free was flawed. Or at least it wasn’t completely necessary for me. I know there are a lot of people out there that don't have control over their spending when it comes to credit cards. That was never me before I got into Dave Ramsey’s teachings and it definitely isn’t me now.

I have always thought of myself as a disciplined saver and I've never carried a balance on my credit card. With that epiphany, I decided to get a credit card again. Not only did I have the discipline to own a credit card, I missed the points, the perks and the rewards!

I signed up for the Capital One Quicksilver card and for the last year, I’ve been receiving 1.5% cash back on all of my purchases. I’ve received almost $500 back just for my everyday spending. This is a nice perk for spending the same way that I would have spent with my debit card.

Related: My Credit Card Makes Me Happy

Free Travel through Credit Card Rewards

This additional cash back perk from Capital One sparked an interest in me. What other perks are out there that I’m not taking advantage of? I feel like I completely missed out on 5 years of points, rewards and experiences!

Given that my wife and I have a fond appreciation for travel and we don’t have endless dollars to spend, I thought to myself, “Could travel perks be our ticket to family fun without the big price tag?”

I reached out to an expert travel rewards guru named Brad Barrett and interviewed him about the fine art of travel hacking. Our conversation was so inspiring that I had to make it an episode for you all to enjoy. I learned so much in our 30-minute conversation!

Brad Barrett and his family at Disney World
Brad Barrett and his family at Disney World

In short, travel rewards or travel hacking is the process of signing up for credit cards and reaping the bonus offers for national and even global travel.

You need to be disciplined to be a part of a process like this. Spending more than you'd normally spend or carrying a balance on your credit cards will definitely NOT work with this type of program. With those type of financial shenanigans, you'll lose this points game for sure.

Tracking your cards and spending responsibly is the key to success here. The upside is traveling with your family for free or nearly free (there can be some small unavoidable airline taxes included).

What are we covering today?

Brad and I discuss:

  • Who this program is for
  • The step-by-step process of travel hacking
  • How you can travel with your family to Disney World for free

I guarantee that you’re going to be very intrigued by this conversation, but it might be a bit overwhelming. That’s okay. Listen to this show again if you need to and check out the show notes below for step-by-step instructions.

If you’re thinking about taking the kids to Disney or really anywhere else in the world and the thought of the cost has a choke hold on you, listen to today’s show. You may just get inspired!

Click the play button above or listen on iTunes, Google Podcasts or Stitcher.

Show Resources

US Legal Forms: Get your Will started today my friends!

US Legal Forms

Travel Miles 101:  FREE Travel Rewards Course

Richmond Savers:  Details on how to travel to Disney for Free

Choose FI:  Brad's blog and podcast focused on Financial Independence

Thanks for Listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, here are some excellent ways to help out the Marriage, Kids and Money Podcast:

I truly appreciate the support everyone!

Carpe Diem Quote

“The real voyage of discovery consists in not seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” -Marcel Proust


Are you a travel hacker? Where have you gone and how did you do it?

Or are you new to the travel rewards lifestyle like me?


Andy Hill

Andy Hill, AFC® is the award-winning family finance coach behind Marriage Kids and Money - a platform dedicated to helping families build wealth and happiness. With millions of podcast downloads and video views, Andy’s message of family financial empowerment has resonated with listeners, readers and viewers across the world. When he's not "talking money", Andy enjoys being a Soccer Dad, singing karaoke with his wife and relaxing on his hammock.

6 Comments

  • This is probably the most “it actually makes sense” kind of post I’ve seen on on this subject. Best part… I didn’t have to go digging through some weird web design to find it. Awesome! PLEASE keep posting new material!

    Reply
    • I’m so glad to hear you liked it Janice. My wife and I both just started this adventure. It’ll take a year or so, but hey, free is free. ;)

      Reply
  • Yes…credit card rewards all the way! Every time I cash out or use my rewards I commend myself on my good financial habits that got me there…and also cringe that even with these huge signing bonuses the banks are still making so much money off those that sign up but end up paying the insane interest rates.

    Reply
    • It is nuts that these offers are out there! It must still make financial sense for the banks because they are offering so many of them. Have a points filled Monday Kathryn!

      Reply
  • I also used to follow Dave Ramsey religiously. But his views on debt and mine have always been a little differently. I’ve also read Rich Dad Poor Dad, and my views on debt is somewhere in the middle of where they both stand. I also have a rewards card and don’t think I’ll ever be giving that up.

    Reply
    • I feel the same way about being “in the middle” of Ramsey and Kiyosaki. I think Dave’s program is great for people just getting started with their financial journey. Also, I feel it’s very appropriate for newlyweds.

      I have found MUCH better advice for investing through other sources for sure.

      Reply

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Marriage Kids and Money Podcast

About Marriage Kids & Money

The Marriage Kids and Money Podcast is dedicated to helping young families build wealth and happiness.

With over 400 episodes and counting, we share interviews with wealthy families, award-winning authors, and personal finance experts to help you find your version of family financial independence.

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