Best Fifth Estates Podcasts (2025)

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145. Behind the Scenes at World of Hyatt: Loyalty, Care & the Future of Travel with Laurie Blair 49:14

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1d ago49:14

49:14

Have you ever wondered what exactly goes on behind the scenes in loyalty programs—and what drives executive decisions about what to offer, add, or take away from their members' experience? In this episode, I get to do exactly that. I'm joined by Laurie Blair, Hyatt's Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and Loyalty, for a rare behind-the-scene…

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12 Reasons to List Your Home During the Holidays | David Manier | Ask Chris Real Estate Podcast 6:42

3d ago6:42

6:42

Is now the right time to sell your home? Chris Phillips, seasoned Middle Tennessee Realtor with Keller Williams, teams up with mortgage expert David Manier of Primis Mortgage to break down 12 powerful reasons why listing your home during the holidays can be your smartest move yetBy Chris Phillips

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John King on steel, windows and technology for 8 star homes 50:00

6d ago50:00

50:00

John King from JGKing Homes Steel, timber, windows and technology to build home. John runs a successful home building business in Ballarat that’s been going for 40 years and employs 350 people. What’s different about it is that it uses steel construction that it fabricates to specifications, and it also manages to produce 8 star NatHERS homes witho…

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Martin Loosemore on making a difference through construction 45:12

6d ago45:12

45:12

Martin Loosemore, professor of construction management is known for his Community of Practice for social procurement, which he started with his colleague Dr Suhair Alkilani at the University of Technology Sydney. Host: Tina Perinotto Produced by: The Fifth Estate The Fifth Estate website: www.thefifthestate.com.au Sign up to the newsletter: https:/…

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Dave Higgon: The power of social procurement to change lives 49:44

6d ago49:44

49:44

After 30 years Dave Higgon reckons he’s the longest serving employee relations manager in Australia. He started his career as a bricklayer for his father, before taking up small subcontracting work on the New South Wales north coast and into Queensland. In the early 80s, Higgon became an organiser for the Building Workers Industrial Union, where he…

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144. Inside Rove: The Loyalty Program Reshaping Points & Miles 49:45

8d ago49:45

49:45

There's a new player in the rewards space, and it's changing what's possible for earning points even if you never open another credit card. In this episode, I'm joined by Carissa Rawson, Director of Travel and Marketing for Rove, a fast-growing loyalty platform that combines a travel booking portal with an online shopping portal so you can earn tra…

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143. Your Holiday Points Prep Checklist: 5 Steps to Maximize Seasonal Spending 11:58

15d ago11:58

11:58

This week marks the biggest points-earning opportunity of the entire year—especially if you're planning to shop online. While everyone else is focused on Thanksgiving prep, points and miles travelers know this is the week to turn everyday purchases into tens of thousands (or more) of bonus points. In this short and focused episode, I'm sharing my 5…

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142. How Points Become a Tool for Freedom, Joy & the Life You Want to Live with Dielle Charon 48:03

22d ago48:03

48:03

Travel is never just about the destination — it's about what the journey makes possible. In today's episode, we explore how learning to earn and use credit card points isn't just a smart financial decision. It's a pathway to freedom, abundance, and experiences that reflect the life you actually want to live. From upgraded flights to dream hotels, p…

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Finding a Title Company | Ask Chris Real Estate Podcast 9:58

25d ago9:58

9:58

Confused about what a title company actually does during a home purchase? You're not alone—and this episode clears it all up. Host Chris Phillips sits down with Leslie Tate from Gateway Title to demystify the title process, from title searches and insurance to closing day logistics and surprise costs. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer in Tennes…

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Learning How to Spend Money (While Enjoying Every Dollar Spent) 28:15

25d ago28:15

28:15

After decades of saving/investing, it's hard to immediately flip a switch and go into spending mode. Spending is a skill that you should develop on your way to FI, so that you're better at it when the time comes to really do it. Here's what worked for me over the last few years! Highlights How to reframe expenses and recalibrate how you value money…

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141. Listener Q&A: Canceling Cards, Transfer Partner Confusion & Shopping Portals vs. Welcome Bonuses 1:05:39

29d ago1:05:39

1:05:39

This episode is all about your questions—and real answers. I'm back with another listener Q&A, tackling the points and miles decisions you're actually making right now. From whether it's possible to move points between airline partners to deciding if that old United card still deserves a spot in your wallet, we're covering it all. We'll walk throug…

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What Loan Officers Really Do | David Bonior | The Phil’s Group Real Estate Podcast 13:28

1M ago13:28

13:28

Wondering what a loan officer does, and how they can help you land your dream home? In this episode, host Chris from The Phillips Group sits down with David Bonior of Premise Mortgage to break down everything from pre-approval vs. pre-qualification to credit scores, closing costs, and common mistakes first-time buyers make (yes, like buying a car r…

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140. Points Path: The Tool That Shows You the Best Value for Every Flight 49:23

1M ago49:23

49:23

Ever look at Google Flights and wonder, "Should I use points for this or just pay cash?" If you've ever felt unsure about which option gives you the best value, this episode is for you. In the final episode of our Streamline, Stack, and Save mini-series, I'm joined by Julian Kheel, former editorial director at The Points Guy and senior editor at CN…

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139. Stack Shopping Portals and Card Offers for Bigger Rewards with Savewise 56:10

1M ago56:10

56:10

Do you ever find yourself opening multiple tabs, comparing shopping portal payouts, and trying to figure out which site is going to give you the most rewards for your online shopping — only to give up before you actually earn the points? If that sounds familiar, today's episode is for you. In this Streamline, Stack, and Save mini-series episode, I'…

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How to Prepare for a Home Inspection | Chris Phillips | Ask Chris Real Estate Podcast 9:45

2M ago9:45

9:45

What can go wrong before the inspector shows up? In this episode of the Ask Chris Real Estate Podcast, seasoned Middle Tennessee Realtor Chris Phillips (Keller Williams) shares a personal story that almost cost him thousands—and how you can avoid the same home inspection pitfalls.By Chris Phillips

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138. How to Track, Manage, and Maximize Your Credit Cards with Travel Freely 1:02:05

2M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

Have you ever opened a new credit card for the welcome bonus, only to forget how much you've spent or when the deadline hits? Or maybe you're juggling multiple cards and can't remember which one to use next. In this next episode of our Streamline, Stack, and Save mini-series, I'm joined by Zac Hood, founder of Travel Freely, an app that helps you t…

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137. Stop Guessing, Start Earning: How CardPointers Does the Work for You with Emmanuel Crouvisier 42:20

2M ago42:20

42:20

Do you ever forget which credit card to use for a purchase — or worry you're missing out on bonus points and statement credits? It's easy to lose track when every card has different categories, offers, and perks. This episode is part of our Streamline, Stack, and Save mini-series, where we're exploring tools and strategies that simplify how you ear…

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When Is the Right Time to Buy? Market Timing Explained | Ask Chris Phillips - Real Estate Podcast 14:19

2M ago14:19

14:19

Trying to time the real estate market perfectly? You might be doing it wrong. In this episode, Chris Phillips shares why chasing the "perfect time" to buy a home can actually hurt your chances and what smart buyers should focus on insteadBy Chris Phillips

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136. Mini Retirements: Redefining How You Work, Rest, and Live with Jillian Johnsrud 59:17

2M ago59:17

59:17

Do you think you have to wait until your sixties before you can retire? Maybe not. At least not the way we've been taught. In this episode, I'm joined by Jillian Johnsrud — author, podcast host, and coach — who challenges the idea of a traditional retirement in favor of taking mini retirements throughout your life and career. Jillian never expected…

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135. Amex Platinum Cards Refresh: What's New, What's Missing, and What We Really Think 1:00:44

2M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Back in June, Chase refreshed its personal Sapphire Reserve card and introduced the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card, complete with highest ever annual fees for rewards cards. Not to be outdone, American Express quickly followed with its own updates to the personal and business Platinum Cards. Now that the details are here, it's time to look at…

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134. The New Era of Award Travel: What's Changing and How to Adapt 29:00

3M ago29:00

29:00

If you've been in the points game for years, you've probably noticed how much has changed recently. And if you're newer, you might be wondering if you're already too late. In this episode, I share why I don't believe we're in the "golden age" of award travel right now — but also why points are still incredibly valuable if you know how to adapt. Ove…

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133. 7 Keys to Better Award Flight Bookings 48:51

3M ago48:51

48:51

You've built up a stash of transferable credit card points. Maybe you've been working hard to optimize your cards, your categories, and your spending. But when it comes time to actually book the flights you've been dreaming about, you hit a wall. You're not alone. For most points travelers, the hardest part isn't earning points — it's redeeming the…

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132. From Frustration to $150K in Points Redemptions 1:03:57

3M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

What does it really look like to transform your travel with credit card points? In this special episode, you'll hear directly from Dr. Faryal Michaud, a past Points Made Easy student who went from feeling confused and frustrated by points to booking over $150,000 worth of award travel. From Qsuites to the Maldives, South Africa, Tahiti, and beyond,…

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131. Unpopular Opinion: Top 5 Reasons You Should Book Travel Through a Credit Card Travel Portal 41:07

3M ago41:07

41:07

Think booking through your credit card travel portal is always a mistake? Not so fast. Last week, I shared five reasons why you'll want to avoid making travel bookings through your credit card portal. But that's not the whole story. There are also situations where using your card's travel portal can be the smarter move. In this episode, I'm breakin…

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130. Top 5 Reasons to Avoid Booking Travel Through Credit Card Travel Portals 39:06

4M ago39:06

39:06

If there's one thing nearly every points traveler has done at least once, it's book a flight, hotel, or car rental directly through their credit card's online travel portal. With promises of 5x, 8x, even 12x bonus points, it can feel like the obvious choice. But as I share in today's episode, those tempting multipliers often come at a serious cost—…

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129. Fan Favorite: The Psychology of Learning & Mastering Points Travel 29:49

4M ago29:49

29:49

In this week's episode, we're re-airing a fan favorite that so many listeners have loved and revisited. If you missed it the first time, or just need a refresher, this is one you don't want to skip. I love discussing discrete award travel topics like individual rewards credit cards and how best to leverage them, or the specific airlines and hotels …

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128. The New Citi Strata Elite: Game Changer or Missed Opportunity? 35:58

4M ago35:58

35:58

If a $595 annual fee premium credit card hits the market, should it automatically earn a place in your wallet? In this episode, I take a detailed look at Citi's newest addition to the transferable points landscape: the Citi Strata Elite Card. From its standard 80,000-point welcome bonus to the elevated 100,000-point offer available through certain …

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Meet Chris Phillips: From Entrepreneur to Real Estate Expert | Ask Chris Phillips - Real Estate Podcast 10:55

4M ago10:55

10:55

How does a guy with zero real estate experience become one of Middle Tennessee’s most trusted names in the market? In this episode, Chris Phillips opens up about his journey. From entrepreneur to top-producing agent at Keller Williams. What started as a plan to invest quickly turned into a 19+ year career helping clients buy and sell with strategy …

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127. Lounge Access Update: Credit Card Changes, Perks & Picks with Traci Siegel 48:27

4M ago48:27

48:27

If you've ever been confused about airport lounge access—what counts, what's changed, and what's still worth it—you're not alone. In this episode, I welcome back guest Traci Siegel for an updated look at lounge access using rewards credit cards in 2025. We unpack the biggest changes to credit card lounge access this year, including new restrictions…

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126. How Much Is a Point Really Worth? A Deep Dive with Frequent Miler's Greg Davis-Kean 54:43

4M ago54:43

54:43

If you've ever hesitated before transferring points—or wondered if a redemption was "good enough"—this is the episode you've been waiting for. In this conversation with Greg Davis-Kean (a.k.a. Frequent Miler), we unpack how to think more strategically about the value of your points. Whether you're sitting on a big stash or navigating your first tra…

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125. Maximizing the Citi Ecosystem with Dr. Suzy Spadafora 59:22

5M ago59:22

59:22

Ever feel like Citi cards get overlooked in points conversations? If you've written off Citi's ecosystem—or just haven't known how to make it work for your travel goals—this episode is full of smart, real-life strategy. Dr. Suzy Spadafora returns to discuss the strengths (and limitations) of the Citi points ecosystem. From the points earning cards …

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124. Mid-Year Points Update: What I Burned, Booked & Learned 42:03

5M ago42:03

42:03

Ever wonder what's actually possible with points? In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of how I've already booked and taken 5 international trips in 2025—spending 2.9 million points on award flights and hotels, and saving over $150,000 in travel costs. From a spring break family trip to Paris to a spontaneous 2-day Tokyo adventure, I'm…

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Nathan Hage on transforming Zinc Apartment 46:28

5M ago46:28

46:28

Nathan Hage is neither a developer nor an energy expert, nor anything else you might think would be crucial to retrofitting a group of 45 flats in Sydney’s inner south with solar and EV charging. He works in logistics, but the one qualifier that he firmly holds is that he’s a resident of the Zinc Apartments, and perhaps through his enthusiasm, the …

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123. Using Real Estate Spending to Maximize Credit Card Points with Jaina Pallasigui 33:02

5M ago33:02

33:02

Have you ever wondered how real estate investments could help you travel more—without spending more? In this episode, I'm joined by Jaina Pallasigui, a public health professional, real estate investor, and points enthusiast who turned her real estate expenses into business class flights and luxury hotel stays around the world. From managing short-t…

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Home Inspections 101: What Buyers Need to Know | Ask Chris Phillips - Real Estate Podcast 11:39

5M ago11:39

11:39

Thinking of skipping the home inspection? Think again. In this episode, Chris Phillips walks you through everything buyers and sellers need to know about home inspections in Middle Tennessee. From timelines and repair requests to red flags and non-negotiables, Chris breaks it down in plain English. He shares why inspections matter for every home, i…

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Why Zillow Isn’t Your Best Home Buying Tool | Ask Chris Phillips - Real Estate Podcast 6:22

5M ago6:22

6:22

Zillow might be popular, but it’s not built for buyers or sellers. In this episode, Chris Phillips explains why Zillow (and similar platforms) often show outdated or inaccurate listings, and how their business model is designed to sell your data to real estate agents, not serve your home search. Chris shares real-world examples of clients relying o…

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5 Curb Appeal Tips That Actually Work | Ask Chris Phillips – Real Estate Podcast | Ask Chris Phillips - Real Estate Podcast 6:12

5M ago6:12

6:12

First impressions sell homes and most buyers decide how well a property’s been cared for within seven seconds of pulling up. In this episode, Chris Phillips shares the five simple, affordable ways to instantly boost your curb appeal and create the kind of exterior that makes buyers want to step inside. From power washing and fresh mulch to painting…

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What Is FOMO in Real Estate and How Do You Avoid It? | Ask Chris Phillips - Real Estate Podcast 6:38

5M ago6:38

6:38

Fear of missing out, aka FOMO, can lead to some of the worst real estate decisions you'll ever make. In this episode, Chris Phillips breaks down the two types of FOMO that buyers face in the fast-moving Middle Tennessee market: the rush to make an offer out of fear, and the hesitation to commit because “something better might be out there.” With ov…

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122. Listener Q&A: Adding a Third Points Currency, Booking Emirates First, and Points Regret 1:09:45

5M ago1:09:45

1:09:45

This episode is all about your questions—and real answers. I'm back with another listener Q&A, tackling the exact points and miles decisions you're working through right now. Ever feel like you're making credit card decisions in a vacuum? From wondering if it's time to add Capital One or Mesa to your rewards card portfolio, to recovering from redem…

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121. Chase's New Business Card Just Dropped & The CSR Gets An Update—Here's Why We're Not Impressed 56:05

6M ago56:05

56:05

Chase just launched a new business credit card and rolled out changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve—but are these updates actually worth getting excited about? In this episode, I'm joined once again by Kelly from The Points and Miles Doc for a candid review of what's new in the Chase ecosystem. From rising annual fees to underwhelming credits and a…

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Welcome to Ask Chris - Real Estate Podcast Show 0:23

6M ago0:23

0:23

Welcome to the Ask Chris - Real Estate Podcast with Chris Phillips from Keller Williams. Chris is a successful 20-year veteran in the Middle Tennessee Real Estate market with over 100 five-star reviews. He is known for his knowledge and integrity. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing or just curious, his insight will guide you along the way. S…

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120. The biggest surprises (and letdowns) of 2025 so far 1:20:15

6M ago1:20:15

1:20:15

Have you been wondering what's really happening in the world of credit card points and award travel this year? In this episode, I'm joined by Kelly, The Points and Miles Doc to break down the biggest shifts in 2025 so far. From major devaluations to standout sweet spots, we're giving you an honest look at what's working now—and what's not. We also …

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119. Alaska Airlines Sweet Spots: Amazing Ways to Use Alaska Miles (That You Might Be Missing) 28:41

6M ago28:41

28:41

Have Alaska miles—or thinking of transferring your Amex points before the June 30 deadline? In this episode, I'm breaking down some of the most valuable ways to redeem Alaska Airlines miles right now. From low-cost domestic redemptions to hard-to-find international business class flights, this guide walks you through the sweet spots that make Alask…

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118. Jet-Set with JAL: Bilt's Boldest Transfer Partner Yet 38:25

6M ago38:25

38:25

Have you ever dreamed of flying to Japan in business class—without paying out of pocket? Bilt just made that a lot easier. In this episode, I'm joined by award travel strategist Ben Komenkul to talk about the newest (and most exciting) Bilt Rewards transfer partner: Japan Airlines. This partnership opens the door to premium flights across Asia and …

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117. Making Smart Transfer Moves: When Speculative Points Transfers are Worth It (And When They're Not) 27:06

7M ago27:06

27:06

A major points transfer pathway is shutting down—and it's got a lot of people wondering: should I move my Amex points to Alaska Airlines before the door closes? In this episode, I break down the fast-approaching June 30 deadline to transfer Amex points to Hawaiian Airlines (and from there to Alaska), and walk you through my personal decision—includ…

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116. The Award Travel Trick Hiding in Plain Sight: Fifth Freedom Flights 25:26

7M ago25:26

25:26

If you've ever struggled to find award space—especially in business class—this is the episode you've been waiting for. In this episode, I'm diving into a unique but often overlooked type of airline route called a fifth freedom flight. These flights are legal exceptions in commercial aviation that allow an airline to fly between two foreign countrie…

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115. Rhythms, Routines, and REM: Expert Tips to Manage Jet Lag & Sleep Disruption While Crossing Time Zones 43:38

7M ago43:38

43:38

No matter how dreamy your destination is, there's one thing that can make or break your trip: sleep. In this episode, I'm joined by sleep therapists Leah Corkum and Marlee Boyle, co-founders of Sleep-Works, a Canadian-based virtual sleep education company helping individuals and families improve their sleep health. With certifications in CBT for in…

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114. Finally! Turning Your Mortgage into Points: How Mesa is Flipping the Script on Rewards 30:56

7M ago30:56

30:56

There's finally a card that rewards you for the one expense that's been completely ignored in the points world: your mortgage. In this episode, I'm talking with Kelley Halpin, CEO of Mesa, about the first credit card that lets you earn points for mortgage payments—plus other major homeowner expenses like daycare, utilities, and home improvement. Ke…

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113. 4 Ways to Maximize Points for Costco Spend (Without Overcomplicating It) 20:10

8M ago20:10

20:10

Whether your Costco haul includes a 5-pound bag of almonds or a giant sectional sofa, one thing is certain: you're probably not spending just a few bucks. If you've ever wondered how to earn more credit card points on your Costco runs, this episode walks you through four smart, strategic ways to maximize rewards—whether you're shopping in-store, on…

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112. Best Ever or Big Mistake? 3 Steps to Evaluate if Best-Ever Welcome Offers are Right for You 14:40

8M ago14:40

14:40

A limited time elevated credit card bonus offer sounds amazing—so should you go for it? In this episode, I break down how to evaluate elevated credit card welcome bonuses so you can make a smart, strategic decision. Using the current Chase Sapphire Preferred offer as a real-world example, I walk through the three questions you need to ask before ju…