I just won the 150K Checkpoints jackpot!

I’ve discussed the Checkpoints app in the past.  It’s an app that lets users earn “checkpoints” to redeem for prizes. 

You can download this app for iOS or android at http://www.checkpoints.com.

Every time you go shopping, you can scan products with the app to earn “checkpoints” and “coins.”

In the past, I have been using Checkpoints to earn free airline miles.  In fact, I have earned thousands (4,000) of American Airlines AAdvantage miles just by using the Checkpoints app to scan random products whenever I’m at the grocery store.  Every time you scan an eligible item at the grocery store, you are awarded 10-12 Checkpoints and 1 bonus coin.

American Airlines 2 browser trick for 100,000 AAdvantage miles - my turn!

EDIT: As of 2/2013, looks like Citibank is putting a stop to the 2 browser trick for 2 American Airlines credit cards.

I previously discussed the American Airlines 2 browser trick to earn 100,000 AAdvantage frequent flyer miles.  (Previously posted application links no longer work) 

Earlier this year, my fiancée did the two browser trick and earned us a free round trip to the Bahamas!  We redeemed our flight for 70,000 miles (17,500 miles for each one way flight for each of us x 4 = 70,000 miles) with plenty of miles to spare.  We also got 4 admirals club passes for any American Airlines airport lounge as well as free luggage check-in and priority boarding with that deal.

Since we have some big purchases coming up for our wedding (in less than 2 weeks!) I decided it was my turn to take advantage of the American Airlines 2 browser trick.  It’s the fastest and easiest way to earn 100,000 AAdvantage miles. 

I hate 0% financing from retailers

I hate financing.

Don’t get me wrong; there are certain things that may need to be financed, such as a mortgage, a new vehicle, or starting a new business.  I’m fine with that.  These are things that are very difficult to save up for and pay completely at once.

For everything else, I hate financing.

This holiday season, there will be plenty of 0% financing deals out there.  Retailers want to boost sales and interest rates are low.  If you’re out shopping for something big like a new television, you’ve probably already been offered a deferred-interest or 0% APR offer.

“Buy now, pay later!”

“Own this $1800 LED 60” television for only $150 a month!”

How great does that sound?  Financing lets you own much more than you can afford at once.  Retailers sell you on the monthly payment, and not the total cost of ownership. What you don't realize with a 0% finance offer is that you are likely getting a store credit card.