All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life

#259: Learn how to pick the challenges in life that actually matter. We break down how to stop optimizing for the wrong things, why values trump goals in decision-making, practical strategies for building real friendships, and more. Mark Manson is the bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (20M+ copies sold). He hosts the Solved podcast, writes the newsletter Your Next Breakthrough, and co-founded Purpose, an AI tool for exploring purpose and values. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/mark-manson-purpose-and-meaning Partner Deals Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Thrive Market: 30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Copilot Money: Get 26% off my favorite personal finance app Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Mark: Website | Newsletter | X The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Solved Podcast Making Friends as an Adult, Solved Your Values, Solved Purpose App Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:47) What Most People Get Wrong About Living a Good Life (01:13) Why Struggle Is Inevitable and Necessary (02:18) Why Purpose Is Revealed, Not Found (04:34) Choosing the Right Metric To Optimize Your Life (06:26) The Three Ingredients of Meaningful Purpose (08:32) Why Purpose Doesn’t Require Changing the World (12:33) Radical Honesty as the Starting Point for Meaning (14:32) What Happens After You Achieve Everything You Wanted (17:48) Why Other People Can See Your Purpose Before You Do (21:06) Why Honest Conversations Are So Hard (and So Necessary) (28:41) Why Adult Friendship Is Uniquely Difficult (32:29) How Work, Kids, and Technology Changed Friendship (33:27) Why “Shared Stakes” Matter More Than Shared Spaces in Adult Friendships (37:02) When Life Feels Hard and Why That’s Normal (42:21) Making Better Decisions by Clarifying Your Values (43:57) How To Check In on Your Life Without Obsessing Over Goals (46:57) When Quitting a Goal Is the Right Decision (50:48) Why We Rarely Talk About Meaning With Friends (53:30) Building an AI To Ask Better Life Questions (55:04) How AI and Therapy Can Work Together (57:52) Is It Okay If Your Job Is Not Your Purpose? (01:00:07) The First Step Toward a More Meaningful Life (01:01:06) How To Define Value Beyond Status (01:02:08) Where To Find More From Mark Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#258: The 5 biggest mistakes Chris has made in his points & miles journey. He dives into the hidden cost of status, the math behind point values, the power of opportunity cost, and why hoarding points quietly destroys value. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/top-5-points-and-miles-mistakes Partner Deals Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Chris' Presentation Slides Credit Cards US Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card Robinhood Gold Card The Atmos™ Rewards Visa Summit Card Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® Award Search Tools Gondola (Get $50 here) Points Path Chrome Extension ATH Podcast Ep #245: How Much Are Points and Miles Worth in 2025? Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:28) Mistake #1: Not Valuing My Time (02:09) Setting a Personal Minimum Hourly Rate (03:51) Step Back and Ask “Is This Worth It?” (04:23) The Hidden Cost of Mental Overhead (05:48) Using Daily and Weekly Priorities to Stay Focused (07:00) Mistake #2: Not Considering the Opportunity Cost (11:34) Mistake #3: Chasing Status (16:56) Airline by Airline: The Value of Status in Real Life (20:52) Reframing the Cost of Status (24:09) When Milestone Benefits Change the Math (28:33) Chris’s Status Plan Going Forward (31:52) How to Decide Whether Status Is Worth Chasing (32:50) Mistake #4: Overvaluing Points (34:20) What the Data Actually Shows (35:43) Why “Retail Value” Is Misleading (41:22) When Paying Cash Can Be the Better Value (46:03) Mistake #5: Not Cashing Out Points (49:27) Chris's Plan for 2026 Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#257: We break down essential tax and financial decisions to make before year-end. Learn how to maximize deductions, optimize charitable giving, manage investment gains and losses, and take advantage of retirement and home-improvement credits. We also run through all the credit card, points and miles deadlines to hit before 12/31. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/end-of-year-financial-checklist-2025 Partner Deals Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn MasterClass: Learn from the world's best with 15% off Aura Frames: $35 off the best digital frames with code ALLTHEHACKS DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Daffy: Free $25 to give to the charity of your choice For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Chris' End of Year Checklist for Taxes, Points & Miles Carry Solo 401k Kick (20% off your first year of bookkeeping with code CHRIS20) Invest America Kids Savings & Investment Accounts Hotel Mattress Run CardPointers Pro (50% off here) Use Your Credits ATH Podcast Chris’ Best Cards Page Ep 144: Leveraging Tax-Advantaged Accounts to Maximize Your Wealth with Katie Gatti Tassin Ep 243: Smarter Strategies for Retirement, Wealth Building, and Taxes with Michael Kitces Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:03) Standard Deduction vs. Itemizing (03:02) The New SALT Cap & Property Tax Strategy (05:02) Pass-Through Entity Taxes for Business Owners (06:07) Smart Charitable Giving Strategies (07:07) Donating Appreciated Assets (09:18) Using Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) (14:16) Why 25-26 Changes Matter for Charitable Giving (16:14) New Car Loan Interest Deduction (18:19) Deduction for Qualified Tips & Overtime (18:34) New Senior Deduction (19:12) Shifting Income to Optimize Your Tax Bracket (20:48) Capital Gains: Loss & Gain Harvesting (22:02) Understanding the Wash Sale Rule (25:11) Advanced Tax Moves to Ask Your CPA (25:42) Key Retirement Deadlines & Contribution Limits (31:01) Roth IRA & Traditional IRA Rules (34:18) Backdoor & Mega Backdoor Roth Contributions (35:18) ISOs & Alternative Minimum Tax (36:16) FSA Essentials: Use It or Lose It (38:57) HSA Strategy & Triple-Tax Advantage (42:13) Home Efficiency & Solar Credits for 2025 (43:14) 529 Plans, Gifting Rules & Education Savings (47:37) The New “Trump Account” for Kids (48:14) Funding a Child’s Roth IRA Through Earned Income (50:29) EOY Tax Moves for Business Owners (55:51) EOY Checklist for Points & Miles (01:00:32) Credit Card Annual Credits & Benefit Resets (01:03:57) Calendar-Year Credits to Use Before January (01:14:55) Final EOY Checks for Airlines, Hotels & Credit Cards Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#256: We break down the simplest, most effective ways to build stronger friendships and stay connected as an adult. Plus, learn how to build a personal website, host better events, send a friends newsletter, book a cruise on a budget, and so much more. Nick Gray is an entrepreneur and author who built and sold two successful companies, Flight Display Systems and Museum Hack. His YouTube and short-form videos have reached over 55 million views. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/build-meaningful-relationships-nick-gray/ Partner Deals Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Daffy: Free $25 to give to the charity of your choice Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Storyworth: Share your family stories in a custom book (+ $10 off) LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Nick: X | Website | Friends Newsletter PersonalWebsite.org November 2025 Asset Allocation Personal Website Checklist The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings RSVP Tracking Partiful Luma Mixily Free Amazon Fulfillment Center Tours Animal Spirits Podcast Rippner Tennis Cruises Below Deck Frequent Miler’s Casino Status Strategy for Free Cruises CruiseSheet Personal Domain Services CloudFare Registrar Google Domains Hover Carrd Gemini Nano Banana WordPress ATH Podcast Best Credit Cards Membership Newsletter Ep #68: Hosting Cocktail Parties, Building Relationships, Museum Strategies and Friends Newsletters with Nick Gray Ep #146: This Episode Changed My Perspective on Cruises with Emma Le Teace Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:00) How Nick Builds and Maintains Strong Relationships (01:49) What Most People Get Wrong About Staying in Touch (02:49) Why Making New Friends as an Adult Is So Hard (05:49) Nick’s Simple Formula for Hosting a Great Cocktail Party (07:25) Chris’s Holiday Cookie Party (09:10) Better Ways to Handle Introductions and RSVPs (13:26) Using a "Friends Newsletter" to Stay Connected (14:47) What to Include in a Great Newsletter (19:18) How to Send Your First Newsletter (Without Overthinking It) (20:38) An Amazing Opportunity Nick Got from His Newsletter (21:28) Easy Content Ideas: Purchases, Apps, Shows, and More (24:33) Chris’ Attempt to Get on Below Deck (31:04) What Excites Chris About Cruises (33:19) Nick’s Take on Cruises (and the “Life-Plus” Mindset) (36:11) Hacking Cruises and Cheap Cruise Strategies (40:21) Why Everyone Needs a Personal Website (43:06) Buying a Domain and Setting Up a Simple Homepage (45:31) Getting Google to Notice Your Website (49:06) When to Upgrade and What Content Belongs on Your Website (52:17) Nick's Service for Building and Maintaining Your Website (52:52) Nick’s Asset Allocation Post and the Value of Transparency (53:46) Removing the Stigma Around Money With Friends (59:21) Using AI for Doctor Appointments Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#255: Here are 100+ holiday gift ideas across tech, kitchen, home, clothing, fitness, kids, and games. I’ll also share tools and tactics to help you find deals and spend less this holiday season. For all the products, links, deals and more, check out the full 2025 Gift Guide here: https://chrishutchins.com/gifts Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/gift-guide-2025 Partner Deals DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Copilot Money: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS Vuori: ⁠20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned 2025 Gift Guide: Find all the products, links, deals and more at https://chrishutchins.com/gifts Joshua Weissman: How to Cook With Stainless Steel Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia Tools to Maximize Savings Keepa Rakuten ($50 bonus here) Savewise (20% off with ALLTHEHACKS20) CardPointers (30% off here or 50% off for ATH Members) Chris' Gift Card Site⁠ (5-25% off gift cards) ATH Podcast Gift Card Site Membership ⁠Newsletter⁠ Ep #122: ⁠⁠Cooking at Home: Delicious Food Made Easy with David Chang⁠⁠ Leave a review: ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ | ⁠Spotify⁠ Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: ⁠[email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:55) Personal Technology (14:16) Kitchen & Food (36:47) Home (44:05) Clothing & Accessories (55:13) Health & Fitness (59:38) Health Tests (01:05:21) Games (01:08:39) Kids (01:12:47) Books & Learning (01:15:22) Ways to Save Money When You Shop (01:24:47) Chris' Family Holiday Traditions Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices