Money Management

On a recent vacation, two of my credit cards improved my travel experience dramatically. Here’s how they helped. 

On a recent trip, I took along two different credit cards that I have in my wallet. One of them is specifically a travel rewards card and the other is a card I use for everything that offers generous cash back.

I didn’t just bring these credit cards because I didn’t want to have to carry cash or a debit card linked to my bank account. I brought them because each one offers perks that made my recent vacation a lot more enjoyable.

Here’s how my cards improved my trip.

My credit card allowed me to relax in an airline lounge before takeoff

The credit card that had the biggest impact on improving my recent trip is a card that offers airline lounge access.

Let’s face it. Waiting in a crowded airport, hoping to find a seat, and eating sub-par fast food that costs as much as a fine dining restaurant is not really very fun. But, I did not have to do any of that.

Instead, I arrived at the airport, went straight to the lounge where I was able to relax in a comfortable chair, asked the bartender to make me a complimentary non-alcoholic mixed drink, and went up to the free buffet in the lounge multiple times to enjoy its offerings — including a nice salad, some pasta and meatballs, and a few desserts.

The lounge provided plenty of space for me and my family, including my children, to hang out. Plus, there was a TV playing and unlimited desserts and apple juice that kept my kids very happy before the flight. It was a stress-free experience (at least until we had to wrangle two kids under the age of four onto the plane).

Another card provided me with wifi and snacks on the flight

The good news is, once I got on the flight, a different credit card also made that part of my trip great.

One of my other cards offers me a $100 credit for airline incidental purchases, including things like seat upgrades, in-flight beverages, and baggage fees. With this credit, I ended up with wifi on the flight and a few snacks for myself and my kids.

This meant the plane trip passed a whole lot more quickly since I was able to scroll through Twitter and Facebook after my kids fell asleep with full bellies from the additional in-flight snacks on top of the delicious buffet.

These were just two of many ways my credit cards have improved my life — and especially my vacations. Travel rewards cards, and credit cards in general, can offer some really great membership perks. As long as you use the cards responsibly (by paying them on time and in full and not exceeding 30% of your credit limit), it is absolutely worth having a card or two that offers benefits that get you excited.

So, if you can trust yourself not to get deep into debt with your credit cards, start looking for some today that offer you benefits and perks that will make your life better as well. You’ll be glad you did.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Christy Bieber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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A writer shares some of the wisdom she learned from her dad. Read on to see what he taught her about money. 

Some people’s dads teach them to ride a bike or play softball. My uncle usually stepped in to do those things — partly because it was his forte, and partly because when I was young, my dad was constantly working.

I’m extremely proud of the way my dad has worked his way up professionally and built himself a solid career. But when I was younger, his earnings weren’t as high, money was tighter, and he often had to put in time on the weekends so my family could make ends meet — hence my uncle needing to come over on a Sunday to toss a ball around.

I’m grateful that I seem to have picked up my father’s work ethic. As a self-employed writer, it’s helped me stay on track through the years. But I’m also grateful for these important lessons my father made sure to teach me.

1. Always have emergency savings

You never know when an unplanned bill might pop up out of the blue, whether it’s a car repair, home-related issue, or medical copay. That’s why it’s so important to have money in a savings account.

That’s something my dad taught me at a young age. As a teen, I earned money by babysitting and working at day camps during the summer, so it wasn’t a lot of cash by any means. But rather than spend it, I put the bulk of it into the bank as per my father’s suggestion, and that was the start of my emergency fund.

As I got older, I was able to build up my savings. And trust me when I say that through the years, my emergency fund has bailed me out of a number of financial jams.

2. Never fall back on credit cards

My parents used credit cards when I was growing up. But their rule was to pay off each balance in full by the time it came due to avoid racking up interest.

When I got my first credit card, my father warned me to never charge more on that card than what I could afford to pay off at the end of the month. He also reiterated that I should always maintain a solid emergency fund to avoid having to rely on a credit card to cover an unplanned bill.

3. Share the wealth

Even though we didn’t have a lot of money growing up, my parents always made a point to give to those less fortunate. That’s something my father instilled in all of his kids, and so these days, there are a few specific charities I aim to donate to on a regular basis.

Now, there have been periods in my life when my income has declined and I’ve had to cut back on charitable donations. But I also try to make a point to increase my charitable contributions during periods when I’m earning more.

Many kids rebel against their parents as they get older. But I never felt that need. If anything, I found myself increasingly turning to my father for advice as I navigated my teenage years, college, and young adulthood. I’m extremely grateful that my father taught me these important lessons. And even to this day, I find myself seeking out his opinion when I need guidance.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until 2024

If you’re using the wrong credit or debit card, it could be costing you serious money. Our experts love this top pick, which features a 0% intro APR until 2024, an insane cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee.

In fact, this card is so good that our experts even use it personally. Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Read our free review

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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If you’re looking for a refreshing summer beverage, you may want to try a Dunkin’ Refresher drink. Find out how to get one for $3 every day in June. 

If you’re a fan of iced beverages, you may want to become a Dunkin’ Rewards member. Dunkin’ has a sweet deal for reward members, available throughout June. You can get a medium-sized Dunkin’ Refresher drink for only $3. Here’s what to know about this deal so you can cool off without overspending.

This deal will cool you down without leaving you broke

The weather is getting hotter, but a sweet drink from Dunkin’ may make the heat more tolerable. Now through June 30, Dunkin’ Rewards members can sip on medium-sized Dunkin’ Refresher drinks for $3. This caffeinated iced beverage features green tea and is available in three flavors: Strawberry Dragonfruit, Mango Pineapple, and Raspberry Watermelon.

Members can score one Dunkin’ Refresher drink at this discounted price each day throughout June. This deal is available only to Dunkin’ Rewards members and can’t be combined with other discounts. The Dunkin’ Rewards program is free to join. You must activate the offer in the Dunkin’ mobile app to get the discounted price.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to feel refreshed on a hot summer day, this could be the deal for you. Starbucks, a competitor known for its higher prices, sells a similar caffeinated iced beverage called Starbucks Refreshers. Starbucks regulars looking for a way to keep more money in their checking accounts may want to consider giving Dunkin’s version a try.

Additional Dunkin’ deals you won’t want to miss

Why should you join the Dunkin’ Rewards program? In addition to earning rewards on Dunkin’ purchases, you can activate money-saving offers in the mobile app. The offer mentioned above isn’t the only deal available. Members can also activate bonus offers to earn additional points to get closer to their free food and drink redemption goals.

The following single-use offers are currently available to members in the Dunkin’ mobile app:

Free medium Cold Brew with any purchaseFree medium Iced Coffee with any purchase$2 Ham & Swiss Croissant Stuffer with a drink purchaseFree Iced Lemon Loaf with a full-priced beverage purchase (available starting June 8)

Dunkin’ Rewards members can also take advantage of a one-day deal to celebrate National Iced Tea Day. On June 10, you can score a free medium Iced Tea with any purchase. Iced tea is the perfect drink to sip on a hot summer day — but a free one may taste even better.

Don’t ignore loyalty programs

If you’re not taking advantage of loyalty programs, you’re missing out. Many restaurants and eateries promote these free programs to reward loyal customers with an excellent way to earn freebies and discounts. If you’re already spending money regularly with a brand you love, you might as well get rewarded for it.

The next time you stop at a restaurant or coffee shop you like, ask if they have a free loyalty program you can join. It could be worthwhile to sign up. Life is expensive, but it’s still possible to stay on budget while buying yourself an occasional tasty treat. Check out our personal finance resources for additional tips to help you save money.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until 2024

If you’re using the wrong credit or debit card, it could be costing you serious money. Our experts love this top pick, which features a 0% intro APR until 2024, an insane cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee.

In fact, this card is so good that our experts even use it personally. Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Read our free review

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Starbucks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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