(This is a data recovered post, originally published on May 21st, 2015.)
This weekly review actually covers a period from about April 7th – May 7th. As I reported in this post I had an extremely busy month or so at work, so I was unable to get any meaningful updates up online. Recovery from the busy season isn’t instant, and I am still about a week behind, but we’re getting there…
The overtime also meant some extra commutes; bad for gas expense, but good for my savings totals! From April 7th to May 7th I pumped $72.78 in free gas during my commutes to and from work. That brings my total free gas to $228.96 since January 1st! Learn how I did it at my free gas tactical page.
I did my monthly spreadsheet update for my wife’s and my credit card accounts. In the past month we:
- redeemed no points or miles
- earned 19,774 airline miles
- earned 58 hotel points
- earned 1,222 Chase Ultimate Rewards
- earned 1,315 “other” points (Wells Fargo Rewards and Barclay Arrival Miles)
- avoided $37.76 in interest charges
New Posts this Week
– Regrouping After a Hiatus is my report on the aftermath of my busy work season, during which I fell behind in everything including this site. This post begins to explore some methods of getting back in the action after you take an extended break from your value tactics program.
– Menards Haul Spring Update shows approximately the last month’s worth of free Menards stuff.
Website Update
I may need to move the website to a new host in the near future. If this happens I will try to keep the downtime as short as possible.
I have an ever-growing list of improvements I want to make to the site, but I have precious little time to devote to keeping content updated, let alone to work on design enhancements. If something on the site is broken, if you find a typo, or if there is some feature I could add that you just can’t live without, contact me! (Yes, I realize how ironic it is that I just linked the contact page, which needs a major revamp.)
Travel News
The busy spring has flown by, and it’s hard to believe Nicoleen’s and my anniversary trip is less than 2 months away. The destination is still a secret, but seconds after the details are revealed to Nicoleen, you’ll be able to read about them at ValueTactics.com!
If this summer’s vacation is approaching at warp speed, our last trip is fading into the past just as rapidly. Jamaica 2015 was almost 3 months ago, and I still haven’t posted the trip review as I promised. That review is currently in the works, so visit the site regularly to see it when it’s published. Better yet, like ValueTactics on Facebook and follow us @ValueTactics so you never miss a single post!
Credit Card News
A lot of good promotions have popped up during my “month off.” The most exciting one, in my opinion, is Chase’s United Mileage Plus Explorer card. The sign-up bonus on this card is now at 50,000 United Miles, enough for two domestic round trip tickets. The card bonus is normally 30,000 miles, so this deal is a significant improvement. But it won’t last long; the promotion ends on June 2nd, so get the card now if you’re interested. Here is Frugal Travel Guy’s post on the subject (includes a link to the application):
Now you’re updated. Go employ some Value Tactics!