breakfast

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This may seem like a silly question. But, everyone needs to know…

What frugal billionaire eats almost every breakfast at McDonald’s?

While this billionaire isn’t as famous for their glamour shots as most on The Hollywood Gossip, they still drive many thought-provoking questions.

And today’s starts with breakfast…

Combined with is the market up or down?

I am sure you have all heard by now that McDonald’s is one of the most frugal places to eat, but how about a billionaire eating there for breakfast?

Every. Single. Day.

Say what frugal billionaire eats almost every breakfast at McDonald's? Warren Buffett is that billionaire who eats breakfast almost every day at McDonald’s in Omaha, Nebraska.

What frugal billionaire eats almost every breakfast at McDonald’s?

Warren Buffett, one of the richest people in the world, has a surprisingly frugal breakfast routine. Every day, he eats breakfast at McDonald’s.

Shocking, I know.

So why does Buffett eat McDonald’s every day for breakfast?

It likely has something to do with the low cost and convenience of the restaurant. He enjoys the food there, calling it “normal stuff.”

If you want to save money or a simple breakfast option, following Warren Buffett’s lead might be a good idea. Just head to your nearest McDonald’s for some cheap and tasty grub!

What does he eat for breakfast?

Warren Buffett is a famously frugal billionaire, and he has a particular fondness for McDonald’s breakfast items.

This is the rumor of how Buffett decides what to eat in the morning:

  • If the premarket or stock market is up, he chooses a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit.
  • If the premarket or stock market is down, he opts for two sausage patties – a cheaper option.
  • When the market is flat, he selects a sausage McMuffin

In 1975, the Egg McMuffin was about 63 cents at the time! Today, you would expect to pay $2.79.

This may not seem like much, but it’s an important part of his billionaire morning routine.

How can you save money on breakfast like the frugal billionaire?

There are many ways to save money on breakfast like the frugal billionaire.

One way is to cook at home, which can be a cheaper option than eating out.

Another way is to eat leftovers from dinner the night before, or pack a lunch instead of buying food at work. You could also try skipping breakfast altogether or buying food from a less expensive restaurant.

Whatever you do, remember that being frugal doesn’t mean sacrificing your health or your happiness.

There are plenty of affordable options for breakfast (and every other meal) that can help you stick to your budget without feeling deprived. So go ahead and enjoy that delicious breakfast McMuffin from McDonald’s—you deserve it!

How much is Warren Buffett worth?

Warren Buffett is an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He is the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, and he has a net worth of $114 billion as of May 2022, making him the world’s sixth richest individual.

Buffett runs Berkshire Hathaway, which has over 60 organizations and owns such companies as Geico, Duracell, and Dairy Queen. In addition to his primary occupation, Buffett is also a noted value investor and has been referred to as the “Oracle of Omaha”.

Buffett initially purchased stock at the age of 11 and first documented taxes at 13 years old. He made his first million in 1962 when he sold shares in Graham-Newman Corp., where he worked for Benjamin Graham (a well-known value investor).

Buffett’s wealth has largely come from two sources: investments and dividends/interest payments on stocks he holds.

In late 1995, Warren Buffett bought a few shares of McDonald’s stock–and now owns more than $2 billion worth. However, he isn’t just interested in fast food; Buffett also owns sizable stakes in Coca-Cola Co., IBM Corp., Wells Fargo & Co., and American Express Co.

Yes, this is over 10 figures.

How much does Warren Buffett make per second?

Warren Buffett is without a doubt one of the most successful businessmen in the world.

According to Strive.co, it is estimated Warren Buffett makes $165 a second!!

Over $9,915 a minute, which is higher than most people make in one month! In fact, it is almost double the average monthly salary for someone making 60000 a year.

Buffett’s Long-Term Success

Buffett’s success comes from his ability to make smart investments and focus on long-term success rather than short-term gains. He is also very generous with his wealth, having given more than $41 billion to charitable causes over his lifetime.

Despite being one of the richest people in the world, Buffett remains humble and focuses on making decisions that will benefit his shareholders (per-share) rather than just increasing his total net worth.

This approach has served him well over the years and made him one of the most successful investors ever.

In fact, Buffett is one of the most quoted people especially for millionaire quotes to find success.

Warren Buffett Diet

Warren Buffett is a well-known billionaire and one of the most successful investors in the world. What you may not know, however, is that Buffett has a rather unhealthy diet. In fact, he drinks five cans of Coca-Cola products each day and eats mostly junk food.

An odd way to get the calories you need.

Buffett’s poor eating habits have raised eyebrows in the past, but it seems to work for him–he has the lowest death rate among his age group. His diet consists mostly of breakfast and lunch, with no desserts or snacks throughout the day. This may seem surprising given how unhealthy his diet is, but as Buffett himself says, “I’m not sure I would recommend my diet for everyone.”

Buffett’s diet is legendary and often studied by business people and students alike. He credits his success to eating what he calls “normal stuff for a six-year old.”

McDonald’s Stock Forecast

McDonald’s is an American icon. It has been around for over 60 years, and it has graced the faces of millions of Americans as they have enjoyed their morning meals.

In fact, McDonald’s is part of the Dow Jones Index. One of the top 30 companies that make up the stock market (source).

After reading this article, you may think that Buffett has something to do with keeping McDonald’s stock forecast rising.

How did Warren Buffett get Mcdonald’s gold card?

Picture of McDonald's gold card.

In an interview with CNBC, Buffett revealed that he has a card that allows him to get free McDonald’s anywhere in the world. This has caused some speculation, as it’s not clear how Buffett got the card or if it’s even real.

However, Bill Gates, Mitt Romney and Buffett are confirmed to have such a card.

In fact, the McDonald’s Gold Card is not just for celebrities and billionaires. “Supposedly,” any customer can get one by spending $2 million or more at the fast-food chain. The card entitles the holder to free food for life.

Now, you can play their Monopoly game for a chance to win a Mcdonald’s VIP Card. By winning a VIP Gold Card you will be able to claim a one-time free meal at McDonald’s every week for an entire year once using the My McDonald’s app.

Even Warren Buffett, one of the richest people in the world, frequents McDonald’s for breakfast and has a Gold Card to prove it. Yet, no photo of Buffett and the Gold Card.

How to Get the McGold Card with this Sweepstakes

Now, it is your time to get the coveted McGold card!

Not just for celebrities anymore!

You have the chance to win a “lifetime” supply of Mcdonald’s. (the fine print says up to two meals per week for fifty (50) years)

First, you need to download the McDonald’s app and be enrolled in the MyMcDonald’s Reward program.

Next, every time you make a purchase during the duration of the contest, you receive an entry to the sweepstakes, up to once per day.

Or, you can enter without making a purchase by clicking this link from December 5 through December 25 and entering once per day for the duration of the contest.

**The McD’s For Life Sweepstakes is only from December 5-25, 2022.**

Does Warren Buffett own McDonald’s?

No. Warren Buffett does not own and operate a McDonald’s Franchise.

However, he made an investment in the company that surprised many people – he invested in McDonald’s because he loved the franchise model.

He has invested in other well-known consumer brands such as Apple, Coca-Cola and Gillette. This gives us some insight into his investment philosophy–Buffett believes in buying businesses with strong fundamentals that will be around for a long time.

Top Warren Buffett Stocks By Size

At the end of Q4 2021, these were the top 10 Warren Buffett stocks by the number of shares:

  • Bank of America (BAC), 1.01 billion
  • Apple (AAPL), 887.1 million
  • Coca-Cola (KO), 400 million
  • Kraft Heinz (KHC), 325.6 million
  • Verizon (VZ), 158.8 million
  • American Express (AXP), 151.6 million
  • U.S. Bancorp (USB), 126.4 million
  • Nu Holdings (NU), 107.1 million
  • Bank of New York Mellon (BK), 72.4 million
  • Kroger (KR), 61.4 million

Specifically, this is what his company Berkshire Hathaway is invested in.

While Buffett has never authored a book himself, there are many books about him, his investment strategies, and his philosophies.

His life story and investment techniques are fascinating. There are a variety of books about Buffett, but some are more satisfying to read than others. Some books focus more on his life and achievements, while others focus on replicating his investment style.

Warren Buffett McDonalds breakfast

As you have now learned, Warren Buffett, one of the richest men in the world, has a particular fondness for McDonald’s breakfast menu items.

He has been photographed eating breakfast at McDonald’s locations almost every morning.

The billionaire investor says that he enjoys the food and finds it to be a cheap and convenient option.

He sticks to ordering sausage patties and eggs, or bacon and eggs from the menu.

Now, the questions to ponder, are you going to continue this frugal billionaire’s breakfast routine?

Or should you follow his investment advice instead…

Buffett has been quoted as saying “the greatest challenge is not in the selection of the right stocks, but in sticking with sound investments despite uncertainty.” In order to emulate Buffett’s investment strategies, it is important to be patient and remain committed to your investments through thick and thin.

Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!

Source: moneybliss.org

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New Zealand has long been on my bucket list, so when the opportunity to spend a night in Auckland presented itself, I jumped on it.

Although I would have liked to stay longer than 24 hours, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Park Hyatt Auckland. Given the property’s modern feel and its relatively cheap cost in points, I’ll absolutely be returning.

Booking

There aren’t that many Park Hyatts in the world; fewer than 50 are either open or being built. The Park Hyatt Auckland is a great deal when it comes to these top luxury properties.

As a World of Hyatt Category 5 hotel, a night here can cost as few as 17,000 Hyatt points at off-peak times. I spent 20,000 points for a standard night. The room I booked would have cost just over $400 in cash.

If you have Globalist elite status with Hyatt, you might get upgraded when you visit, as I did. Although the hotel was almost fully booked, I was able to score an upgrade to the best-available room, which featured a harbor view and a balcony.

🤓Nerdy Tip

The Park Hyatt Auckland levies additional charges on payments made with credit or debit cards. In this case, I would have paid a 2% surcharge if I hadn’t used points to book.

Location

(Photo courtesy of Carissa Rawson)

The Park Hyatt Auckland is centrally located on the city’s famous harbor. Several shops, boats, cafes and more are within walking distance, making it a great option for those without a car.

Accommodation

(Photo courtesy of Carissa Rawson)

My room was ready when I arrived at the hotel just after noon, a few hours before standard check-in time. It looked to be among the first they’d cleaned, and I was thrilled not to have to wait around in the lobby, even though it looked very sleek.

The room included state-of-the-art features such as automated window shades and external screens on the balcony. And the view was incredible.

(Photo courtesy of Carissa Rawson)

The room featured one large king bed, a separate table with a chair, and a seating area.

(Photo courtesy of Carissa Rawson)

There was also a paid minibar at the entrance, though I didn’t partake.

The large balcony had a nice table with a couple of chairs, though the low height meant staring through the fencing, which was awkward.

(Photo courtesy of Carissa Rawson)

Inside the walk-in closet were a pair of robes and slippers, which I used while in the room.

(Photo courtesy of Carissa Rawson)

However, the most remarkable feature was the bathroom, which was separated into two distinct areas.

(Photo courtesy of Carissa Rawson)

The first area was a stand-alone powder room with its own sink and a toilet, while the main bathroom featured a huge soaking tub, two marble sinks and a shower.

(Photo courtesy of Carissa Rawson)

Toiletries in the bathroom were by Citron and Vetiver. I don’t often use hotel toiletries, as I find the quality pretty low (even at really nice hotels), but these smelled nice and were good enough to detangle my hair.

(Photo courtesy of Carissa Rawson)

I spent the majority of my time in Auckland in the room, catching up on work, so I deeply appreciated the chocolate bar left on the bed.

(Photo courtesy of Carissa Rawson)

A few minutes after I arrived, I was also surprised with a welcome amenity of Pavlovas with cream and lemon curd. It also included two additional bottles of water.

I’m not ashamed to say these freebies constituted my dinner for the evening, especially since the Park Hyatt Auckland doesn’t have its own executive lounge.

Food and beverage

Globalist members and their guests receive complimentary breakfast at Hyatt hotels, either in the club lounge or the hotel’s restaurant. As there was no club lounge, instead I enjoyed breakfast at Onemata, the hotel’s signature restaurant.

Globalist members are entitled to both the breakfast buffet and an entree from the menu, as well as hot drinks.

Breakfast hours vary based on the day:

  • Monday to Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

  • Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

I’ll admit, I went a little wild.

(Photo courtesy of Carissa Rawson)

The buffet wasn’t huge, but it included high-quality items such as:

  • Smashed avocados.

  • Burrata with tomatoes.

  • Cold cuts.

  • Fresh fruits.

  • Chocolate milk.

(Photo courtesy of Carissa Rawson)

When was the last time your local breakfast buffet came with kiwifruit, a caprese salad, avocado toast and locally produced chocolate milk? I rate this one a 10 out of 10.

I also ordered eggs Benedict from the main menu, but didn’t end up eating much of it. I blame the chocolate milk.

The hotel also has a few other dining options, including a lobby bar and a quick-service spot:

  • The Living Room: Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • The Pantry: Open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., or 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., depending on the day of the week.

  • Captain’s Bar: Open 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. or midnight, depending on the day of the week.

The Living Room, which is essentially a lobby bar, looked like a great place to take in the view over drinks.

Otherwise, Onemata is also open for lunch and dinner.

Amenities

Pool

(Photo courtesy of Park Hyatt New Zealand)

The pool area isn’t huge, as you’d see at a resort hotel, but that’s expected given that you’re in the middle of a city. What it lacks in size, it makes up for with its great view.

The pool area is open from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Gym

(Photo courtesy of Park Hyatt New Zealand)

For those looking to get in a workout, the hotel gym is open 24 hours and has a wide range of equipment, including treadmills, free weights and resistance machines.

How to get to the Park Hyatt Auckland

New Zealand is an interesting beast when it comes to flights. It’s decently connected to the U.S. with nonstop flights operated by Air New Zealand, United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and more.

If you’re looking to travel with points or miles, one solid option is using Virgin Atlantic points to fly on Air New Zealand. A one-way business class flight from the U.S. to Auckland costs 62,500 Virgin points. Although these seats can be hard to find, Virgin Atlantic points are easy to earn compared with other airline award currencies. They’re transfer partners with the following points programs at a 1:1 ratio:

The Park Hyatt Auckland is located about 13 miles from Auckland’s airport. Trains from the airport into the city stop a little over a half-mile from the hotel, but I opted to take a rideshare since I had luggage with me. The ride took about half an hour and cost around $35.

If you’re looking to stay at the Park Hyatt Auckland

I spent just over 24 hours at the Park Hyatt Auckland, and I was very impressed overall. Although I didn’t manage to snag a suite upgrade, the modern amenities and generous breakfast made it well worth my while.

Coupled with the incredible location and reasonable cost in points, this is one property I’ll be happy to revisit.

(Top photo courtesy of Hyatt)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card overview

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card provides solid earnings at Hilton properties and automatic Hilton Gold elite status, which offers complimentary breakfast, increased earnings and space-available upgrades when you stay at Hilton properties. The status perk alone may make it easy to justify the card’s $95 annual fee (see rates and fees). Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½

*Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

Hilton Honors Gold status is one of the best mid-tier hotel loyalty statuses you can obtain. As a Hilton Gold elite member, you’ll get complimentary breakfast, space-available room upgrades and improved earnings when staying at Hilton brands. Luckily, you can easily earn and maintain Hilton Gold status since it is an automatic perk of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card.

The Hilton Surpass card is an ideal choice for those who stay at Hilton properties often and want a cobranded credit card with a modest annual fee and valuable perks — but who aren’t willing to shell out for the top-tier Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.

The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

With its elevated welcome bonus, you might wonder whether the Surpass card is a good addition to your wallet. Here are the details and other cards to consider as you decide.

Hilton Surpass welcome offer

New applicants can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of cardmembership. Offer ends July 19.

THE POINTS GUY

Having another Hilton credit card doesn’t make you ineligible for the welcome bonus, but remember that Amex has a “once per lifetime” rule on card bonuses. Amex also has these terms for the welcome offer:

Welcome Offer not available to applicants who have or have had the Hilton Honors Surpass® Card or the Hilton Honors Amex Ascend Card. American Express may also consider the number of American Express Cards you have opened and closed as well as other factors in making a decision on your welcome offer eligibility.

Luckily, Amex will inform you before submitting your application if you’re not eligible for the bonus. If you get this message, you can proceed without the welcome offer or withdraw your application before Amex performs a hard pull on your credit report.

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Related: A complete guide to Amex’s one-bonus-per-lifetime restrictions

Earning points with the Hilton Surpass

BILL FINK/THE POINTS GUY

The Hilton Surpass card is a great way to earn Hilton points. You’ll earn 12 points per dollar at Hilton hotels and resorts — a 7.2% return on spending, based on TPG’s valuations. This is better than you’d get with most of the best credit cards for booking hotels, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve (6%).

You’ll also earn 6 Hilton points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery), U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, giving you a return of 3.6% on these purchases. Finally, you’ll get 3 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases — a return of 1.8%.

These returns on non-Hilton spending aren’t spectacular. But, if you’re looking to boost your Hilton points balance, the Surpass card provides a decent return even for purchases outside the Hilton Honors program.

Related: Booking direct: How much value does Hilton status provide?

Redeeming points with the Hilton Surpass

When it comes to the Hilton Honors program, your best bet is to redeem your Hilton points for free nights. Unfortunately, Hilton doesn’t publish an award chart, instead using dynamic pricing where the number of points needed for a redemption fluctuates based factors such as the cash cost of the hotel, holidays and peak travel periods.

KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY

One of my favorite options is to focus on properties that cost relatively few points but provide great value. For example, here are 20 of the best Hilton hotels in the U.S. bookable for 20,000 points or less per night. And here are some of the top Hilton properties overseas bookable for 10,000 points or less per night.

Hilton’s Points & Money option allows you to pay more cash (and fewer points) when making a reservation. This can be useful when you don’t have enough points for a full booking but don’t want to pay the full cost of the hotel room.

Hilton Honors also allows members to earn and redeem Hilton points with partners. However, most non-hotel redemption options provide relatively low value for your points, so avoiding these low-value options is best.

Finally, remember that Hilton allows you to pool your points with up to 10 other members. If you want to combine balances with a friend or family member to put an even more luxurious award stay within reach, you can.

Related: 5 ways Hilton Honors should improve its loyalty program

Hilton Surpass benefits

The Hilton Surpass card’s welcome offer is attractive. But the long-term value for semi-regular Hilton guests comes card’s ongoing perks and benefits.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Hilton Honors Gold status

The Hilton Surpass card gives cardholders complimentary Gold status in the Hilton Honors program. TPG values Hilton Gold status at $1,255 per year. Hilton Gold status includes the following perks:

If you’re a big spender and charge more than $40,000 on the card in a calendar year, you’ll earn top-tier Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year. Depending on how frequently you stay at Hilton properties — and how much you value the given perks of Diamond status — this can add quite a bit of value to the card. However, there’s a simpler path to Diamond status: it’s an automatic perk of the Hilton Aspire card, which has a $450 annual fee (see rates and fees).

It’s worth pointing out that other credit cards offer complimentary Hilton Gold status, though none has an annual fee lower than the Surpass card:

So if you already carry any of these cards, getting Hilton Gold status as a perk from the Hilton Surpass won’t provide any additional value.

Related: Points of View: Which credit card should you use for Hilton stays?

Priority Pass access

BRENDAN DORSEY/THE POINTS GUY

The Hilton Surpass comes with a Priority Pass Select membership offering 10 lounge visits per year after you enroll for this benefit. Bringing a guest into the lounge uses one of your 10 visits, but you can pay for additional Priority Pass lounge visits.

If you’re a semi-frequent traveler who goes through an airport with a Priority Pass lounge a handful of times a year, this is a great perk that won’t break the bank like similar benefits on premium travel rewards credit cards.

Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

Free night reward

ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

You can earn a free night reward by spending $15,000 on purchases with the Hilton Surpass card in a calendar year. You can use this free night at almost any Hilton property worldwide on any night of the week. Even at a conservative valuation of $300, you’re still looking at an additional 2% return on that $15,000 in spending.

Related: How to get maximum value from Hilton free night certificates

Other benefits

The Hilton Surpass offers various other benefits. For example, you will pay no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees) when traveling outside the U.S.

You’ll also enjoy free two-day shipping with Shop Runner, Send & Split to divide bills with friends — such as a group dinner — Pay It Plan It to pay large purchases over time and secondary rental car insurance of up to $50,000 for theft or damage.*

* Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Related: 6 reasons to get the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass card

Which cards compete with the Hilton Surpass?

For those looking to earn and redeem points with Hilton, natural competitors of the Surpass card will be other Hilton credit cards. It’s also worth considering cards whose points you can use at Hilton in addition to other redemption options.

  • If you don’t want an annual fee: The Amex Hilton Honors card also earns points you can redeem with Hilton for free hotel stays. As a card with no annual fee (see rates and fees), you’ll naturally earn at lower rates and enjoy fewer perks. With the Amex Hilton Honors card, you’ll earn 7 points per dollar at Hilton hotels and resorts, 5 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery), 5 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations and 3 points per dollar on other purchases. For more details, see our full review of the Amex Hilton Honors card.
  • If you want more perks: The Amex Hilton Aspire card is Hilton’s premium card, offering top-tier Diamond status as an automatic benefit. The card’s annual fee is $450 (see rates and fees), but TPG values Diamond status at more than $3,000 annually. You’ll receive a free night reward on each account anniversary, and you can earn another by spending $60,000 on purchases with your card during a calendar year. Additionally, you can receive statement credits each year for up to $250 in airline fees per year, up to $250 in Hilton resort credits and up to $100 in Hilton on-property credits. You’ll also receive a Priority Pass membership with unlimited lounge access for you and up to two guests. For more details, see our full review of the Amex Hilton Aspire card.
  • If you aren’t partial to Hilton: Try the Amex EveryDay Preferred card, with which you’ll earn 3 points per dollar on up to $6,000 of annual purchases at U.S. supermarkets (then 1 point per dollar), 2 points per dollar at U.S. gas stations and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. You’ll also earn a 50% points bonus each billing period if you have 30 or more transactions during that period. The Amex EveryDay Preferred card doesn’t earn Hilton points. Instead, it earns American Express’ own Membership Rewards points, which you can transfer to Hilton for hotel redemptions but also can use with more than a dozen other airline and hotel partners. For more details, see our full review of the Amex EveryDay Preferred card.

For additional options, check out our full list of the best travel cards.

Read more: Which credit card should you use for Hilton stays?

The information for the Amex EveryDay Preferred and Hilton Aspire cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Is the Hilton Surpass worth it?

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is competitive in the crowded mid-tier category of cobranded hotel credit cards. With a lucrative welcome offer, solid earning rates, complimentary Gold elite status and an array of valuable perks, the Hilton Surpass is an excellent option for those who visit Hilton properties semi-frequently.

Bottom line

While the Surpass doesn’t offer the flexibility of a card like the Amex EveryDay Preferred card or the elite perks of the Amex Hilton Aspire card, it could still be just what you need to make your next stay with the Hilton Honors program even more rewarding. You’ll get the benefits of having Gold status as well as lounge passes to use. Just note that you do need to spend $15,000 in a calendar year to receive a free night award.

Official application link: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

For rates and fees of the Hilton Surpass Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Business Card, click here
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Amex Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex EveryDay Preferred card, click here.

Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox, Stella Shon, Chris Dong, Robert Thorpe and Ryan Smith.

Source: thepointsguy.com

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History swiftly repeats itself over and over when it comes to lawsuits over resort fees.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Hilton this week over resort fees and what he claims the company “misleadingly charge consumers higher rates than initially advertised” and that “the services purportedly funded by the fees are often complimentary or included in the room rate at other non-resort locations.”

The latest lawsuit arrived shortly after Paxton similarly sued Hyatt over its resort fee practices and settled with Marriott over similar charges. Marriott now includes resort fees in the initially quoted nightly room rate on its booking platform.

“Heightened inflation and worsening economic conditions have made it an even more pressing priority to protect Americans from predatory, illegal corporate practices,” Paxton said in a prepared statement.

“Many major hotel chains, including Hilton, have been deceiving their customers for far too long. I warned these companies they would face consequences for this behavior, and Texas has delivered aggressive action to protect consumers, promote price transparency in the hotel and travel industries, and ensure that companies violating our laws are held responsible for misleading the public.”

The Texas AG goes on to allege Hilton doesn’t adequately display the added fee on a nightly rate and effectively charges guests extra fees twice: first as the fee itself and then again with taxes on the fee. It also comes amid increasing political pressure for travel companies to be more transparent with extra charges.

Texas charge ‘em

The lawsuit uses the Hilton Anatole in Dallas as a leading example of how the company is deploying drip pricing with resort fees or similar charges going by different names.

The hotel displayed a $193 nightly rate earlier this month but then added a $27.26 “Daily Mandatory Charge” that includes Wi-Fi access, gym access, a spa discount, breakfast for children and two in-room bottles of water. Keep in mind: Those with Silver status or higher in the Hilton Honors program already get free water as part of their loyalty status.

The Hilton Anatole also charged a “Texas Recovery Fee” for an unspecified amount, according to Paxton’s lawsuit. The “Daily Mandatory Charge” alone added more than 14% to the nightly room rate, which ended up being $258.46 after the charge and taxes were added up.

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Had the 1,606-room hotel sold out every night for a year, the Texas AG lawsuit notes the ownership group would have made more than $16 million off the added fees.

The lawsuit also highlights the Woodlands Resort, a Curio Collection hotel outside Houston, and C. Baldwin, a Curio Collection hotel in Houston, as other examples of hotels in the state charging added fees under monikers like “Daily Resort Charge” and “Daily Mandatory Charge.”

The lawsuit also accuses the Hampton Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk, the Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown and the Homewood Suites by Hilton Dallas Downtown of charging fees twice, first as a fee and then again as a tax — a practice that had the potential to make each hotel more than $100,000 apiece annually.

“While decisions about mandatory fees are made by ownership and management at a property level, these fees are always fully disclosed when booking through Hilton channels and we encourage all third-party distribution partners to disclose any fees when advertising our inventory,” a Hilton spokesperson said in a statement to TPG. “We have long been committed to ensuring that any fees charged by hotels in our system are fully disclosed and continue to review this issue closely to ensure there is consistency for consumers when viewing our rates across booking channels.”

Resort fees not going away

The much-maligned practice of charging resort fees almost certainly isn’t going away, but it’s highly likely they’ll get more transparent.

Marriott never admitted guilt in its settlement, and company leaders have always maintained the added fees were noted throughout the booking process. You’d see a blue box during the booking process noting the added fee on the Marriott reservations system. Hilton and Hyatt both make note of their added fees amid the booking process, but that’s not enough in the eyes of the Texas attorney general.

Further, the lawsuit goes on to note Hilton charged the fee and labeled it as going toward amenities that weren’t even accessible or open during the pandemic.

“Hilton relies on consumers either not noticing or becoming too fatigued in the search process to cancel the transaction,” the lawsuit states. “Despite eventually disclosing the fees, eventual disclosure does not cure the deception in the initial advertised price.”

While Marriott’s new practice of bundling resort fees into the initially quoted rate might seem like a likely industry practice, the company’s CEO earlier this month wasn’t ready to speak for his competitors.

“It is not as if those were hidden somehow. We’re simply further clarifying and enhancing that transparency,” he said on the company’s first-quarter earnings call. “I will leave it to the state [attorneys general] around the rest of the country for the rest of the industry. But I am pleased that we will lead the industry in terms of the transparency of our disclosure for our guests.”

Related reading:

Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally

If you haven’t had a chance to book a stay, know that Monday is the final day to book World of Hyatt properties before the award rates for many popular spots increase.

Starting Tuesday, 214 hotels in the World of Hyatt portfolio will require more points.

Across the properties going up, there will be an average price increase of more than 5,000 World of Hyatt points … per night. That’s not great news, but there is still time to lock in redemptions at some of our favorite hotels before prices increase.

Related: Suddenly, my Hyatt free night certificates feel worthless

At most properties, you can lock in stays for 13 months out (through April 2024) at the current award rates. Also, the vast majority allow free cancellations if your plans ultimately change.

However, there are a few exceptions to that general rule, especially around the winter holiday week, when some stays are nonrefundable. Some all-inclusive properties, such as some Secrets properties, charge a $50 cancellation fee at any point that you change your mind.

Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Room ViewSecrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Room View
SECRETS MOXCHE PLAYA DEL CARMEN/FACEBOOK

Read the fine print carefully before making a booking you are unsure about keeping, but know that most bookings are penalty-free until a few days before check-in.

If you want to make bookings but don’t currently have Hyatt points in your account, there are a few ways to do that.

First, if you have Hyatt Globalist status, you can have Hyatt make you some bookings without points needed until you get closer to check-in. Beyond that option, a few credit card transferable points programs, including Chase and Bilt, can typically transfer points instantly to Hyatt.

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Here’s a guide on how to book Hyatt stays without enough points in your account.

Here are some properties to prioritize if you want to lock in some stays today before they cost more starting Tuesday.

Hotels going from Category 4 to 5

Unfortunately, there are many popular properties that will soon be out of reach via the most common Hyatt free night certificates.

These awards are given out in several ways, including via the World of Hyatt Credit Card or by reaching certain qualifying night thresholds during the year.

Here’s a partial list of those properties that will no longer be eligible.

  • Andaz San Diego.
  • Chicago Athletic Association.
  • The Eliza Jane.
  • Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico.
  • Grand Hyatt Jeju.
  • Grand Hyatt Seoul.
  • Park Hyatt Saigon.
  • Hyatt Regency Amsterdam.
  • Thompson Madrid.
  • Hyatt Place Moab.
  • Hyatt House Naples/5th Avenue.
  • Lahaina Shores Beach Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence.

Let’s take a closer look at three of these properties that represent particularly great value.

Related: The 23 best Hyatt hotels in the world

Andaz San Diego

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Andaz San Diego. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

Why you should stay there

Andaz San Diego is a nice property in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, close to popular restaurants and a ton of nightlife. The rooms are contemporary and the service is friendly and efficient, from the front desk to the restaurant staff. There is a hopping rooftop bar with great views of the city.

What it will cost

  • The Andaz San Diego will go from Category 4 to Category 5. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of a Category 4 award certificate.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 12,000-18,000 points per night to 17,000-23,000 points per night.

Chicago Athletic Association

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Chicago Athletic Association. HYATT

Why you should stay there

Chicago Athletic Association is housed in a classic building — formerly an 1890s-era private athletic club. The building may date to the late 19th century, but the rooms are refreshed and midcentury modern.

The central Chicago location is also a selling point, as the property sits near Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. It even has an on-site Shake Shack and a bocce ball court.

What it will cost

  • Chicago Athletic Association is going from Category 4 to Category 5. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of a Category 4 award certificate.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 12,000-18,000 points per night to 17,000-23,000 points per night.

Related: Book this, not that in Chicago

The Eliza Jane

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The Eliza Jane. HYATT

Why you should stay there

The Eliza Jane was a sweet spot for many looking to visit New Orleans as it was new, trendy, well located and still eligible for the Hyatt Category 1-4 award nights.

What it will cost

  • Eliza Jane is going from Category 4 to Category 5. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of a Category 4 award certificate.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 12,000-18,000 points per night to 17,000-23,000 points per night.

Related: Here’s how to quickly stock up on Hyatt points for your next vacation

Hotels going from Category 7 to 8

Unfortunately, Hyatt is also making some properties out of reach for even its more exclusive free night certificates. Category 1-7 free night certificates are provided when you pass 60 elite nights and qualify for World of Hyatt Globalist status.

These properties are moving out of range of that valuable certificate:

  • Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas.
  • Carmel Valley Ranch.
  • Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Overlooking Big Sur Coast & Highlands Inn, A Hyatt Residence Club.
  • Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa.
  • Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa.
  • Wentworth Mansion.
  • The Lodge at Spruce Creek.
  • Ksar Char-Bagh.
  • Viceroy Bali.
  • Hotel Gajoen Tokyo.
  • Keemala.
  • Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik.
  • Hotel Martinez.
  • Le Narcisse Blanc Hotel & Spa.
  • Boheme Hotel.
  • Mykonos Riviera Hotel & Spa.
  • 7Pines Resort Sardinia.
  • Ca’Sagredo Hotel.
  • Grand Hotel Cocumella.
  • La Villa del Re.
  • Margutta 19.
  • Villa Spalletti Trivelli.
  • Villa Geba.
  • El Lodge Ski and Spa.
  • Nobu Hotel Marbella.
  • Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola.
  • Park Hyatt Zurich.
  • Villa Orselina.

Park Hyatt Zurich

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Park Hyatt Zurich. CAPE PEMBROKE/HYATT

Why you should stay there

The Park Hyatt Zurich is a sleek and modern midrise in the heart of the financial capital of Zurich. The modern artwork hanging on nearly every hotel wall is worth a visit alone.

What it will cost

  • The Park Hyatt Zurich is going from Category 7 to Category 8. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of Category 1-7 award certificates.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000-35,000 points per night to 35,000-45,000 points per night.

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek

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Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Why you should stay there

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is a five-star option in essentially every way if you want a ski-out Colorado mountain vacation.

Standard rooms routinely cost over $1,000 per night during the peak ski season. Staying with points is a way to have a ski vacation that’s as easy as stepping out onto the snow and being right next to the gondola without spending thousands of dollars on lodging.

Booking with points also means you get to skip the nightly resort fee. Those with Hyatt Globalist status luck out, too, with saving on mountain prices for breakfast each day.

What it will cost

  • The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is going from Category 7 to Category 8. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of a Category 7 award certificate.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000-35,000 points per night to 35,000-45,000 points per night.
  • Expect ski season nights to be at the high end of that range.

Related: Review of the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek

Popular leisure and big-city destinations increasing

In addition to the painful number of properties climbing from Category 4 to 5 and Category 7 to 8, plenty of hotels are moving up other levels on the award chart.

Many popular leisure resorts and busy city destinations will inch up from Category 6 to 7, meaning extra points for stays booked as of March 28.

Here’s a breakdown of some popular spots that you should strongly consider booking now before prices increase.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

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Grand Hyatt Kauai. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Why you should stay there

Grand Hyatt Kauai is a large, lush Hawaiian resort in sunny Poipu. It has one of the best pool complexes you’ll find anywhere, with a 1 1/2-acre saltwater lagoon, 150-foot waterslide and multiple layers of pools for playing, sunning and swimming.

This hotel also has an above-average club lounge, so those who have or purchase access can save on food costs by indulging there.

Standard rooms can cost close to $1,000 per night during peak times, making this a popular award redemption location.

What it will cost

  • The Grand Hyatt Kauai is going from Category 6 to Category 7.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.

Related: Review of the Grand Hyatt Kauai

Andaz 5th Avenue

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Andaz 5th Avenue. BENJI STAWSKI/THE POINTS GUY

Why you should stay there

It’s hard to beat the location of the Andaz 5th Avenue, given its proximity not only to Fifth Avenue but the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, Broadway and more. It’s close to almost everything without being in too frantic of a location.

What it will cost

  • Andaz 5th Avenue is going from Category 6 to Category 7.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.

Related: Review of the Andaz 5th Avenue

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

Hyatt Regency Maui. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

Why you should stay there

The Hyatt Regency Maui offers an excellent location near Lahaina on Maui. It’s set on 40 acres on Kaanapali Beach and has a giant feature-filled swimming pool with a grotto bar, waterslide and bridge right next to the beach.

There are a total of 806 guest rooms and 31 suites, many with dramatic views of the ocean. This has traditionally been a great way to redeem World of Hyatt points (when available). However, cash prices have soared since the pandemic.

What it will cost

  • The Hyatt Regency Maui goes from Category 6 to Category 7.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.

Related: A review of the Hyatt Regency Maui

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino

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Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino. HYATT

Why you should stay there

The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino has many amenities in a central location on the beach. On top of that, it has a large pool complex with a waterslide, activity pool and adults pool. Rooms were recently renovated, and as the name implies, there’s an on-site casino.

What it will cost

  • The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino goes from Category 6 to Category 7.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.

Grand Hyatt Vail

Grand Hyatt Vail. HYATT

Why you should stay there

Grand Hyatt Vail is a full-service ski hotel without quite as high a price tag as the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. That will still be true, but both are going up in award cost.

Right now, the maximum you’ll pay for mountain-adjacent lodging at the Grand Hyatt is just 29,000 Hyatt points per night, which is a great deal while you can lock it in.

This is not as ski-out as the Park Hyatt. However, during the heart of the season, an on-site ski lift will take you up the mountain, though you need to be an advanced beginner to an intermediate skier to traverse that terrain. In other words, new skiers will still need to take the shuttle to ski school.

What it will cost

  • The Grand Hyatt Vail is going from Category 6 to Category 7.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.
  • Expect standard rooms to fall at the top end of those ranges during much of the ski season.

Related: Guide to visiting Vail

All-inclusive resorts are going up

The all-inclusive resorts in the World of Hyatt program will also take a hit. Some will go from costing 25,000 points per night for double occupancy to 40,000 points per night. Hyatt uses a letter system for all-inclusives instead of numbered categories.

Lots of properties are increasing one category (for example, from C to D), and some are going up two categories (C to E). Some of the popular all-inclusive resorts changing categories are:

  • Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.
  • Zoetry Casa del Mar Los Cabos.
  • Zoetry Montego Bay Jamaica.
  • Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana.
  • Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana.
  • Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall.
  • Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall.
  • Hyatt Ziva Cancun.
  • Hyatt Zilara Cancun.
  • Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos.
  • Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta.
  • Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica.
  • Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay.
  • Secrets St. James Montego Bay.
  • Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa.

However, before locking in your stays, carefully review the cancellation policy. Many of these properties impose a $50 fee if you need to cancel — and most require this at least four days prior to arrival.

Related: These are the most luxurious all-inclusive resorts

Zoetry Agua Punta Cana

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ZOETRY AGUA PUNA CANA/FACEBOOK

Why you should stay there

The Zoetry brand has multiple properties going up in award cost, including the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana. It’s next to the water with multiple on-site restaurants and standard rooms that start at over 700 square feet.

What will cost

  • Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is going from Category C to Category E (moving up two categories).
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000 to 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana

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Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana. HYATT

Why you should stay there

The Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic are side-by-side resorts, one dedicated to adults and the other for family travelers. There’s an on-site beach, pool and even a water park, making for a fun one-stop-shop resort.

What it will cost

  • The Hyatt Ziva and Zilara in Cap Cana are going from Category C to Category E (increasing two categories).
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000 to 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hyatt Zilara and Ziva Rose Hall

Hyatt Zilara and Ziva Rose Hall. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY.

Why you should stay there

The Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall and the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall are two of the best all-inclusives in Jamaica. They have been favorite redemptions for folks at TPG over the years, offering good value in a setting where food and drinks are included.

Between the two neighboring resorts (one is adults-only, one family-friendly), you’ll find multiple pools, beaches and lounge areas.

What it will cost

  • The Hyatt Zilara and Ziva Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica, are going from Category C to Category D.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000 per night to 30,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Bottom line

If you want to maximize your free night awards and World of Hyatt points at any of the 214 properties going up in price (view the full list), you need to do it Monday.

As mentioned, you can book future stays as far out as the calendar allows, typically 13 months. These changes go into effect for bookings made or modified on or after Tuesday.

Related reading:

Additional reporting by Kyle Olsen.

Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally

Whenever I read an article about someone who retired early, I always scroll down to the comments because I find it interesting to see what people have to say about early retirement. After all, just a few years ago, I myself, didn't even know that retiring early was a thing. However, once I realized that people were doing it and living financially free lives - I knew I wanted it as well.

Whenever I read an article about someone who retired early, I always scroll down to the comments because I find it interesting to see what people have to say about early retirement. After all, just a few years ago, I myself, didn't even know that retiring early was a thing. However, once I realized that people were doing it and living financially free lives - I knew I wanted it as well.For most people, retirement means something that only older people do after decades and decades of working. However, more and more people are thinking about early retirement. And, when I say early retirement, I mean being financially secure enough that you don’t need to work unless you want to.

Even though it takes a lot of work and planning to retire early, some people seem to think that early retirees aren’t very smart, are lazy, or even boring.

I see this a lot when I read articles about people who have retired early. I always scroll down to the comments of these articles because I find it interesting to see what people have to say about early retirement. I’m always shocked, and saddened, when I read comments that say these early retirees are being careless and won’t be able to live exciting lives after they retire.

Some people assume these people haven’t saved enough and are naively thinking their money will last forever. Some assume early retirees just want to stop working because they are lazy. Others think that early retirees just sit around all day and do nothing in order to save money.

However, none of these common myths about early retirees are true!

And, I just don’t understand these negative feelings about early retirement because I personally love the idea of people striving to retire early.

Really, what could feel better than working hard to your save money, investing it well, and then realizing the financial freedom you have to quit your day job so you can live your dream life!?

Whether you want to travel, continue working (yes, you can continue working your job! There’s no rule that you have to quit), spend more time with family, or whatever else, retiring early gives you the ability to choose your own future.

Plus, early retirement can be at whatever age you want it to be, it doesn’t have to be that you retire early at age 30. If you are able to retire at age 60, that’s awesome! The point is just to strive to better yourself so that you can be financially free and not stuck and miserable in debt, and/or living a paycheck to paycheck life.

Sadly, there are many out there, who do not save enough money when preparing for retirement. According to one survey, 56% Of Americans Have Less Than $10,000 Saved For Retirement. According to a different survey done by Bankrate.com, 36% of people in the U.S. have absolutely nothing saved for retirement.

Due to the above, I think it’s obvious that more people should make saving for retirement a priority.

And, even if you love your career, you can still think about early retirement.

I have saved enough to retire whenever I would like. Yes, I earn a high income, but I also save a large part of my income and watch any wasteful spending.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love life and my online business. However, knowing that I can retire early means I am prepared for whatever might happen in the future. As you know, I’m a worrier, and I would much rather be safe than sorry. There are so many what ifs, like there could be a medical emergency, the industry may change, I may change, and so on.

You just never know what may happen in the future!

Related:

To me, having the ability to retire early is all about freedom and flexibility.

Now, I’m not going to automatically assume that extreme early retirement is for everyone. Because, it’s not.

Not all early retirement paths have to be extreme – some can actually be quite normal. Many people can still live a normal life, without really cutting too much out. It’s all about being realistic with your income and spending.

The majority of the population does not seem ready for retirement at any age, let alone the retirement age of around 65-67, so to discount early retirees altogether just seems crazy to me.

Whether you’re thinking about early retirement, still planning for a “normal” retirement age, or are just confused about what these early retirees are thinking, this post will, hopefully, debunk any myths you may have about early retirement.

Related content:

Are early retirees dumb, lazy, and/or boring?

Are early retirees naively thinking that their money will last forever?

This is one of the most common myths I hear about early retirees. Many like to assume that early retirees haven’t thought about possible future expenses, such as from having children, health insurance costs rising, inflation, the stock market dipping/crashing, and more.

However, planning for early retirement definitely takes all of these expenses into consideration.

For most early retirees, it starts with creating a budget that allows them to really know their expenses and save for them well into the future.

Related content: The Complete Budget Guide: Creating A Budget That Works

A person planning for early retirement is thinking about all of these what ifs well into the future. While no one’s calculations are going to be correct down to the penny, it is possible to factor in possible future expenses.

Still, many people don’t believe that early retirement is possible. I have heard countless people say that retiring early is dumb because $1,000,000 – $5,000,000 isn’t enough to retire young, that early retirees aren’t thinking about future expenses, etc.

I believe this has a lot to do with the fact that many people don’t understand compound interest and investing. Both of these things let your money work and grow for you, well into the future, meaning that an early retirees’ retirement funds are most likely going to grow well into the future. I have seen countless comments where a person just divides $1,000,000 by 50 years and assumes that the early retiree is living off of $20,000 a year and not a penny more for the rest of their life.

However, that’s not how investing and early retirement works.

If you want to learn how investing works and how you can start saving for early retirement, read more at How To Start Investing.

Honestly, early retirement is possible.

By saving enough of your money and living off a designated percentage of your savings or invested income each year after you retire early, you will find that early retirement is possible.

Before throwing the whole idea out, you may want to look into how it may be possible for you.

Whenever I read an article about someone who retired early, I always scroll down to the comments because I find it interesting to see what people have to say about early retirement. After all, just a few years ago, I myself, didn't even know that retiring early was a thing. However, once I realized that people were doing it and living financially free lives - I knew I wanted it as well.

Retirement Calculator: https://networthify.com/calculator/earlyretirement

As you can see from the above:

  • With just a 1% savings rate, it would take you 98.9 working years until you reach retirement.
  • A 5% savings rate means that it would take you 66 working years to retire.
  • A 20% savings rate means that it would take you 37 working years to retire.
  • A 50% savings rate means that it would take you 17 working years to retire.
  • A 75% savings rate means that it would take you 7 working years to retire.

So, by saving more of your money, you are likely to retire sooner. Makes sense, right?

Related content: Do You Know Your Net Worth?

Are early retirees lazy and just not wanting to work?

I’m going to be honest, this myth is absolutely crazy! If you are planning for early retirement, you definitely aren’t lazy. Like I said before, it takes a lot of planning and forethought to retire early. It’s not at all for the lazy!  

However, I have heard so many people say this about early retirees. And, I think it’s the exact opposite.

If you are looking to retire early, you probably aren’t the type to just sit around all day. I mean, if that’s your plan for after you retire, that’s totally fine because you get to choose. But, for many, early retirement isn’t just about not working. It’s about having the freedom to spend your time pursuing your passion, traveling, spending more time with friends and family, and more.

Still, I have heard so many times that early retirees are lazy and are just looking for a way to escape the work world and essentially be homeless, live in a shack, eat rice and beans, etc., instead of working.

I believe early retirees are hard workers who want to live life on their own terms. After all, they had to save enough to retire early some way – and I’m sure it wasn’t due to any laziness.

Don’t early retirees just sit around all day in order to save money?

I have heard countless people say that early retirees are boring, lead meaningless lives, and probably just sit around all day doing nothing. Some of these same people justify not saving for retirement by saying that they’d rather work until they’re 70.

I don’t know how much fun the average person has while working, but I’m fairly positive that the average person is probably not in love with their job. In fact, it is somewhat rare for a person to be absolutely in love with their job. Yet, I still hear this myth all the time.

An early retiree isn’t just going to sit around all day. Even if that’s what they want to do, who cares?!  Retiring early certainly doesn’t mean that you have to be bored.

With all the extra time you have after retiring early, you could volunteer, pursue a passion, find fun things to do, take up a hobby, and more.

Heck, you could even continue working, if that’s what you truly desire. Early retirement just gives you choices in case something changes in the future.

I know that for me, if I chose to stop working one day, I could easily find time to fill my day outside of work. I could travel even more, go on more long hikes, be more fit, read more, learn more (I’ve been wanting to learn a new language), find a passion project, spend more time with friends and family, etc. The list is endless!

The average early retiree, that I know, has a very active and meaningful life. They don’t need work in order to feel valued in the world; instead, they find other things to make themselves happy.

Plus, just because you are saving for retirement doesn’t mean you are eating ramen noodles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, this is a myth that is often associated with early retirement.

Sure, a person who seeks early retirement or who has already retired early may be frugal, but I highly doubt that the majority of early retirees live boring and uneventful lives.

There are plenty of ways to have frugal fun, eat on a budget, and so on. You can even see the world, while saving for early retirement, too. We currently live in our RV, while traveling North America (yes, I know that’s not the world), and we have met many early retirees who are doing the same. Remember, the best things in life are free. The outdoors, spending quality time with those you love, laughing, and more are all FREE.

When do you want to retire and when WILL you retire? What do you think of early retirement?

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Source: makingsenseofcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

If you draw a paycheck, you’re due an extra $160 in January and February thanks to the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011.

What’re you gonna do with your windfall? Maybe not much. It’s pretty easy to miss $20 more in salary, especially if fixed expenses (groceries, insurance, child care, gasoline) keep going up.

Note: This is not a political column. I repeat: This is not a political column. I really don’t care what you think about the payroll tax cut. Please keep all your #$@!# dumb-o-crat policies or #$@!# con-man-servative hatefulness comments until a later date. Like, um, never. Get Rich Slowly is a personal finance site, not a flame-throwing political forum. Thank you for not foaming.

Technically you have two choices: Save it or spend it. I’d like to suggest a third: Save it or spend it intentionally.

You could go out to lunch a couple of times each week. You could treat yourself to $20 worth of cupcakes or ceramic clowns from the dollar store. Or you could convince yourself that each double sawbuck represents an opportunity to improve your life.

Which it does — if you look at it the right way.

If someone offered you $160 in cash, you’d probably grab it. (And if you didn’t, can I have yours?) But to some people, an “extra” $20 a week seems penny-ante.

Thanks to rampant ATM use, $20 bills have become the coin of the realm. I believe this has devalued them in the popular imagining — and there’s no denying that $20 doesn’t go very far these days.

True and Cumulative Costs

In particular, it doesn’t go very far if we fail to pay attention to spending. We grab a soda and some chips when we go in to pay for gas. We add a magazine and a few packs of gum at the grocery checkout counter. We always get popcorn at the movies because, well, we just do, that’s all.

It’s only $3, or $5, or $7. Besides, we deserve it.

That’s how some people get into trouble in the first place: By neglecting to frame expenses in terms of their true and cumulative costs. Dropping a few hundred dollars on a spur-of-the-moment weekend getaway is great fun at the time, but you may regret it if you can’t pay the balance in full.

The money you spent (and continue to spend, in the form of credit card interest) also is cash that can no longer be used in a smarter way, such as retirement or a pay-cash-for-a-car fund.

Let me be clear: I am not saying that you can never have any of the things you want. In fact, I am learning — slowly! — to spend a little money on myself. So if you’re in a position to drop that extra $20 per week on chai tea or sheet music, by all means drop it.

And if not? Make those temporary twenties work damned hard for you — and incidentally, their job might be to pay for something fun, such as frugal entertainment.

Pay It Down, or Pay It Forward

How can you put that money to work? Use it for the following:

  • Emergency fund. Not to belabor the obvious, but that $160 is a nice fund-plumper. And if you’re brand new at this, the sum is nearly one-third of the $500 that Liz Weston says you need in the bank.
  • Retirement. Put the money into your Roth IRA or whatever other fund you have. (Don’t have one? Let this be the seed money.)
  • College fund. Add an extra $160 to Junior’s post-secondary plan.
  • Pay down debt. One hundred and sixty dollars = a nice debt snowflake.

Shopping, if you must:

  • Nonperishables. Flour, sugar, dry beans, tuna, rice, canned goods, pasta, your favorite cereals — and give yourself bonus points for buying on sale with coupons. Your grocery bill will drop a bit for the next month or two as you eat your way through the storehouse. And if something unexpected happens (illness, car repairs, job loss), you’ll congratulate yourself on having a well-stocked pantry.
  • Pet supplies. When you see a screamin’ deal on food or litter at PetSmart or PETCO, stock up. Improve the sale price by paying with plastic scrip from a discounted gift card site.
  • Cut-rate couture. Watch for end-of-season sales on wardrobe basics you know to be durable and comfortable. You might not have to buy work slacks for a year or two. Or browse a thrift store or consignment shop — again, looking for clothing that’s well-made and flattering. What fun to see how far a $20 bill will go, especially on 50-Cent Day. (I’m referring to the price tag, not the rap star.)
  • Shoes. Use price-comparison and cash-back sites as noted above to find sale prices on your favorite make and model. I recently ordered three pairs of my favorite old-lady comforts for about $153 (minus the nearly $11 cash-back rebate).
  • Socks and undies. Bor-ing? You betcha. But elastic isn’t forever and your socks will eventually develop holes. When crew socks and tighty-whities go on sale, buy half a dozen or more of each.

For the health of it:

  • New glasses/contacts. Still squinting through those three-year-old specs? Discount eyewear emporia regularly offer coupons in newspapers and Valpak envelopes, and through online coupon sites like Savings.com and Retail Me Not. Oh, and stock up on contact lens solution when it goes on sale.
  • Vitamins. Aim for a three- or six-month stash of your favorite supplements. Use a price comparison website like Price Grabber or Cheap Uncle to find the best deals, and see if the lowest-priced merchant can be accessed through a cash-back shopping site like Mr. Rebates, Extrabux or FatWallet.
  • OTC meds. Restock your medicine cabinet with analgesics, bandages, antibacterial ointments, allergy meds and the like. You may be able to get these free or nearly so by combing coupons and rebates.
  • Dental work. Don’t have dental insurance? Me neither. But I regularly see social commerce vouchers and Valpak coupons for X-rays and cleanings. They cost $30 or less. A professional cleaning and a big-picture look at incipient problems may even save your life.

That’s entertainment:

  • Discounted movie tickets. Warehouse clubs sell them. However, you might get a much better deal through — yep — a discounted gift card site.
  • Annual pass. Museums, zoos, botanical gardens, opera, the orchestra — whatever floats your boat.
  • The Entertainment Book. It’s full of BOGOs for city attractions from art to boat tours. Buy it through a cash-back site for a rebate of up to 35% plus free shipping.
  • Condoms. Go ahead and snicker. But not having protection can be pretty damned expensive in the long run. I know a couple whose second child is on planet Earth because “we were out of birth control and decided to take a chance.” No, I couldn’t believe it, either.

Thinking ahead:

  • Warehouse club membership. Even studio dwellers might be able to buy in bulk if they’re creative about storage.
  • Go green. Replace some incandescent bulbs with LED or compact fluorescent bulbs and trim your electric bill. Faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads reduce both energy and water/sewer bills. If the commode in your abode is really old, consider a water-saving toilet.
  • Car care. Watch for sales on fluids (antifreeze, windshield washer, a case of motor oil, et al.), filters and replacement wiper blades. If your tires have receding treadlines watch for sales on those, too. (Don’t forget Craigslist. A friend bought four high-quality, nearly new tires for $100.)

Ant or Grasshopper?

The grasshopper generally has a swell summer: long days at the beach, trips to amusement parks, ice cream for breakfast. Meanwhile, the ant is weeding the garden, clipping coupons and hanging all his laundry to dry outside.

Once the temperature drops, the grasshopper is likely to regret his profligacy. The ant, meanwhile, has a storeroom full of pinto beans and tube socks. All the windows have been caulked, too.

Of course, it’s your money and therefore your decision. But try thinking of your $160 in ways like these:

  • One night at a nice hotel, or an extra chunk of fundage into your Roth. (Oh, compound interest, I’ve missed you so! Let’s never fight again!)
  • A couple of months’ worth of cable vs. new glasses. (What good is TV anyway if you can’t see it?)
  • Dinner for two at a nice restaurant, or some depth to your pantry.

One more suggestion: Split the difference. Get yourself $80 worth of truffles and apps and $80 worth of something less than sexy but ultimately beneficial, such as cat litter or dental X-rays. Even $40 will pay for a fair amount of decadence, especially if you use a coupon.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

A stone home built in 1668 in Chestertown, MD, is the oldest home on the market this week on Realtor.com®.

The exterior walls are said to have been constructed of stone “not native to the area” and which may have been transported from England in the original owner’s ships, the listing notes.

Other historic homes to hit the market this week include a modernized antique in New York, a stone manor house in New Jersey, and a stone farmhouse in Pennsylvania.

Scroll down for a full look at this week’s 10 oldest homes.

Price: $327,900
Year built: 1668
Rock of Ages: The two-bedroom home “needs renovation” the listing states. The house, perhaps the oldest in the state, has not been occupied since 1996.

The 1,186-square-foot abode features a cozy living room with wood-paneled walls and a fireplace. One cute bedroom has an arched ceiling. The kitchen and bathrooms need work, and an attached shed has an outhouse.

Prospective buyers and agents are advised to enter the home at their own risk.

Chestertown, MD

(Realtor.com)

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Price: $398,000
Year built: 1690
5 acres and stone walls: This charming three-bedroom home has been well preserved. Measuring 1,480 square feet, it features restored hardwood floors and hand-hewn beams.

The living room has a large bay window, a brick fireplace with a beehive oven, and a wood stove. The kitchen and dining area also comes with a wood stove. The main level has one bedroom, and the upstairs has two additional bedrooms and a small room that could be used as a nursery or home office.

Also found on the property are a smaller barn with a paddock and storage room as well as a larger barn designed to accommodate animals.

Porter, ME

(Realtor.com)

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Price: $489,900
Year built: 1700
Center of town: This five-bedroom home combines history with modern flourishes.

The adorable kitchen has a center island with a two-seat breakfast bar. French doors from the kitchen open to a flagstone patio with an old mill/grindstone, along with pathways through gardens. The dining room features restored hardwood flooring, and the formal living room has the original, wide-board flooring and raised paneling. A newer addition off the back would be ideal for a home office or in-law suite.

Significant roof repairs are currently in progress and will be completed before closing. The 1.2-acre lot also features an oversized post-and-beam garage/barn.

Suffield, CT

(Realtor.com)

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Price: $795,000
Year built: 1712
The Benner House: This three-bedroom antique has been stylishly modernized.

The 2,477 square feet of interior space boasts two ground-floor fireplaces, a main-floor bedroom, an updated kitchen, and an open floor plan with wide-plank flooring and exposed-beam ceilings. The two upstairs bedrooms offer vaulted wood ceilings.

Enjoy views of the 1.6-acre lot from the three-season room or oversized deck. The appealing property is already pending sale after a week on the market.

Red Hook, NY

(Realtor.com)

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Price: $940,000
Year built: 1725
The Bodo Otto House: This six-bedroom, stone manor house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Now restored, the 4,068 square feet of interior space features original details, including seven fireplaces (one has the original cooking crane), random-plank boards, a brick hearth, and exposed stone walls. The modernized kitchen features floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, and the four-season sunroom comes with a private entrance. The primary suite is on the second floor and has a fireplace. Three more bedrooms can be found on the third floor.

The 1.6-acre lot comes with four outbuildings, including a stone smokehouse.

Mickleton, NJ

(Realtor.com)

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Price: $695,000
Year built: 1730
Stone farmhouse: The 2,316-square-foot main home has three bedrooms and a full bathroom. It features many period details and will need some TLC. Features include hardwood floors, wood-beamed ceilings, and exposed brick walls.

The 19-acre parcel also comes with a two-story summer house, a five-bay garage, and “a small stream that rumor has it they mined for gold,” according to the listing.

The property consists of two separate deeds being sold as one.

Dillsburg, PA

(Realtor.com)

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Price: $625,000
Year built: 1730
The Tuttle Estate: This three-bedroom home was built by one of the original planters who settled in the area, according to the listing.

The 2,906-square-foot space has been fully restored while still boasting many original details. They include wide oak and poplar floorboards restored by hand, wood-paneled walls, and custom built-ins. The dining room has a fireplace with a beehive oven. Two bedrooms can be found on the second floor along with a smaller office that could be used as a bedroom. The third floor has an additional room that could be used as a studio or a bedroom.

The 8-acre lot comes with a three-car garage with a workshop and what is said to be one of the oldest barns in the country.

Wallingford, CT

(Realtor.com)

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Price: $1,289,000
Year built: 1736
Grand Colonial: This spacious, five-bedroom home features original hardwood floors, handcarved woodwork, and seven fireplaces.

Sitting on 1.7 acres next to the Sunningdale Country Club, the 4,345-square-foot residence also boasts custom millwork, diamond windows, built-in bookcases, and preserved hardwood floors. There are window seats, wood-paneled walls, and arched ceilings with exposed beams.

Scarsdale, NY

(Realtor.com)

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Price: $324,900
Year built: 1740
Antique Cape: This four-bedroom home features wide-plank wood floors, wood-beamed ceilings, and a beehive oven.

Located in the historic district, the charming, 1,688-square-foot abode offers an open floor plan. Bedrooms can be found on the first and second floors. The bright kitchen has been modernized over the years and now features an island and updated appliances.

The backyard features an above-ground pool.

Wethersfield, CT

(Realtor.com)

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Price: $439,900
Year built: 1750
Cape and barn: This three-bedroom Cape comes with a massive, two-story barn with a loft.

The 1,755-square-foot home has been renovated over the years but is still in need of some “finishing touches,” the listing states. The colorful kitchen features a wood ceiling, farmhouse sink, and antique oven. The living room has a pellet stove and wide-board pine floor. The primary bedroom is on the first floor, and two additional bedrooms are located upstairs.

Three outbuildings can be found on the 2-acre lot. The property is pending sale.

Gilmanton, NH

(Realtor.com)

Source: realtor.com