Inspired by SteveDave and RickDaris, I've decided to jump into this crazy game. I've even committed myself to reading every page of this thread (
), and am up to page 40 or so.
Before I finish the thread(and it will take me forever to finish), I have a few observations and a few questions.
Observations (based on the first 40 pages):-SD is the best at this stuff, so his advice takes precedence over everyone else's. (Sorry, Rams.) RD is second-best, and I know I will be reticent to spend any points I get, just like him.
-SD frequents multiple message boards?!
-Deals in 2013 aren't as good as they were in 2011.
Questions:1) What are the best deals out there for a n00b like me? From reading the last couple of pages, it seems like I should bang the Southwest personal and business cards (feel ambivalent about Southwest metal, but they fly a lot of places I go), and maybe the Amex Gold? Is this right?
2) What kind of rewards (plane, hotel, cash) does the Amex provide? It's a little unclear to me.
3) Would any of the cards listed above be good for an everyday card, or should I get a different one for normal use? (Where I'm at in the thread, everyone seems gaga for the Chase Sapphire. Is that still what the cool kids are using?)
4) Any chance there's a good AA deal out there right now?
5) Could I get an AA card and a USAir card (if it exists) and then have the miles combine once the merger is complete, similar to the Continental/United deal?
Background:-I'm
, so meeting the spend on these is not a problem.
-Already have a house, won't be buying a new car anytime soon.
-Travel a lot for family stuff, so plane tix are my primary target here. Hotels are nice and might help get Mrs. WM on board, but they're a secondary focus for me right now.
-Really sad I didn't get in on this game years ago when I was still
with all the cool kids.
Thanks in advance.