Is there anyone you know that does NOT own a credit card?  Think about that for a moment.  Did you ever have a conversation with someone about general money matters and perhaps you were talking about a recent purchase of some interest?  And maybe then they replied with a purchase experience of their own, but mentioned that they either paid for the product or service with cash, check or they just postponed the purchase?  I’m guessing not very often….perhaps never.  Now I don’t consider myself a well-connected person, but over my adult life I’ve met many, many people and have had many, many conversations about money.  And in all of that time, I’ve only met one person who did not own a credit card…..my mother-in-law.  Not that she couldn’t have qualified for one, but she was just “old-school” whereby she either paid for something by check, cash or she just didn’t buy it.  

Now, I have a little different perspective on that.  I certainly understand her mindset and completely agree with the “if I can’t afford it then I’m not going to buy it” way of thinking.  But I view the subject of credit cards, or more specifically credit, in a different light.  Just as a carpenter might use a hammer and plane or an artist a brush and acrylics, I view credit and the use of credit cards as a tool, to be used to one’s advantage.  But just like a carpenter’s hammer, credit can only be viewed as a tool if it is used properly.  More about that later in the show.  

Hi, I’m John Gigliello, Certified Financial Planner with the Albany Financial Group and you’re listening to Invest in Knowledge, a podcast about all things financial.  After a life-altering health issue at 39, my calling in life became clear: To share my knowledge of personal finance with PEOPLE who are looking to make smart and responsible choices with their money.  Only through education, action and accountability can YOU build the confidence and security YOU need to live a SATISFYING life.  

Our topic for this podcast will be on credit card rewards strategies and how to maximize benefits.  By the end of our show, you will have a much better understanding of the types of credit card rewards and how they are generated, how rewards are earned through regular spending, the proper use of sign-up bonuses, implementing credit card strategies and how credit cards can generate thousands of dollars in cash and travel rewards annually.