This Week’s Money Map:

• 🎆 New Year, New Money Moves: Welcome to 2025!

• ✈️ United’s Surprise Adventure Week Takes Flight!

• 🌴 From Points to Paris: Unlock Your Summer Escape

•  🐂 2024’s Bull Run Bliss: Growing Your Wealth With Year-over-Year Returns

• 💵 Money Rules (Part I): Game-Changing Lessons from Rich Dad, Poor Dad

• 🚗 Car Insurance Smarts (Part III): Hidden Savings You’re Probably Missing

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Hello, Smart Cents readers! I’m Dan Schuessler, co-founder of MoneyGeek, and I’m excited to tell you about what you can expect in our newsletter for 2025.

This year, the newsletter will focus on finance education, tactical strategies for building wealth and saving money, and deals including:

• Personal finance behaviors to maximize your wealth

• Money hacks that supercharge your finances

• Strategies for earning BIG credit card point bonuses and cash back

• Unbeatable travel deals 

• Cost-saving tips for your home, loans, and other personal finance products

• Insurance and asset protection resources

• Key book summaries for deeper learning

• Education on more niche personal finance topics that are lesser-known

Stick with us for a powerful year packed with finance education, and together, let’s make 2025 our best money year yet—starting today!

If you know others who could benefit from Smart Cents, we'd love it if you could share it with others: https://www.newsletter.moneygeek.com/

✈️ United’s Surprise Adventure Week Takes Flight!

Get ready for your next great escape! United Airlines just launched a “Surprise Adventure Week,” filled with flash deals that can whisk you away to dream destinations using credit card points.

Here's the deal. Everyday at midnight, United will announce heavily discounted points flights to dream destinations. See the newest deal here: https://www.united.com/en-us/saw-ams

This deal is accessible for both United cardholders and those without cards, though the stated price is only guaranteed for cardholders.

Yesterday was 25,000 points for one-way flights to Amsterdam. This is an AMAZING deal compared to the 50,000 to 60,000 points these flights typically cost. That’s over 50% off!

And today, you can fly to Frankfurt for just 25,000 points one-way! That’s a steal compared to the usual 55,000–70,000 points required. Reminder, you can transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt if you’re looking for more United points—a great way to maximize these incredible deals.

So, fire up your travel apps, dust off that passport, and let “Surprise Adventure Week” set the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Your 2025 travel story begins now—what are you waiting for?

🌴 From Points to Paris: Unlock Your Summer Escape

Ever wondered how far your credit card points can take you? Imagine a dream summer getaway to Paris, sipping espresso under the Eiffel Tower, all while keeping your wallet happy. Let’s turn those rewards into memories.

Points Flights That Won’t Last
You can now book flights on Air France from JFK or SFO for as little as 20,000 points in economy, 35,000 in premium economy or 71,000 in business class. I’ve also occasionally seen business class fares drop to 50,000 points, so keep an eye out for those rare finds and act fast — these deals won’t stick around for long. 

Transfer points to Air France from major credit card programs like Chase, American Express and Capital One. This month, Chase offers a 20% transfer bonus — perfect for stretching your points even further. If paying cash is more your style, Air France is running a sale with fares starting at $434 each way.

Staying Lux on Points
Once you land, indulge yourself with a stay at the iconic Park Hyatt Paris for 45,000 points per night. A bucket list destination for many, this hotel is a rare gem to book with points, especially during summer. Prefer Hilton? The Hilton Paris Opera awaits at 85,000 points per night, and remember — you can transfer Amex points to Hilton at a 2:1 ratio for added flexibility.

Ready to turn your points into unforgettable experiences? Check out MoneyGeek’s guide to maximizing travel credit cards for expert tips and strategies to plan your dream getaway.

 🐂 2024’s Bull Run Bliss: Growing Your Wealth With Year-over-Year Returns

2024 has been a landmark year for investors, with markets delivering exceptional returns. The big takeaway? Consistent, high returns over time can grow your wealth exponentially—especially if you start now. Let’s break down how last year’s market movers demonstrate the power of investment growth.

S&P 500: A Stellar 23% Surge
The S&P 500 climbed 23% in 2024, driven by tech titans like the Magnificent 7—Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, Alphabet (Google), Meta, and Tesla. These seven powerhouses gained an average of 63% this year, after soaring more than 75% in 2023. Together, they now make up 34% of the S&P’s total value. It’s a clear sign of how high-growth companies can amplify your returns.

Nasdaq: A Great Year for Tech
The Nasdaq wasn’t far behind, with a jaw-dropping 29% rise, showcasing the power of tech stocks to supercharge portfolios. Leaders like Tesla and Amazon gained 70% and 46%, respectively, while others like Nvidia helped push the index into record-breaking territory.

What’s in It for You?
Knowing how markets perform and where to invest can set you on a path to significant wealth. Consistently earning double-digit returns can transform modest investments into substantial nest eggs over time.

Ready to start building your wealth? Explore MoneyGeek’s investing guides and analyses to make 2025 your most prosperous year yet. The sooner you start, the faster your money grows!.

💵 Money Rules (Part I): Game-Changing Lessons from Rich Dad, Poor Dad

Ever feel like you’re missing the financial “how-to” guide? You’re not alone. Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad book offers timeless lessons for 2025 that can help you rethink money—and make it work harder for you. Here’s the scoop:

The Truth About Your Paycheck
Your job alone won’t make you wealthy. Kiyosaki emphasizes building passive income streams so you’re not trading hours for dollars.

Assets vs. Liabilities
Wealth-building starts with this question: Does it make you money (asset) or cost you money (liability)? That unused gym membership or overpriced streaming bundle? Liability.

Quick Wins:
1. Automate Investments: Set up auto-transfers to an investment account. Out of sight, but growing steadily.
2. Start a Side Hustle: Freelance, sell digital products, or monetize your hobbies. Even $200 extra a month adds up.

Smart Moves:
1. Track Before Buying: Ask, “Will this grow my wealth?” Choose dividend stocks, rental properties, or high-yield savings accounts instead of flashy but fleeting buys.
2. Cut Dead Weight: Cancel unnecessary expenses and redirect that cash to investments.

Build Your Money Empire
Wealthy people focus on acquiring income-generating assets—like real estate, stocks, or small businesses. And they don’t rely on just one source of income.

Your First Steps:
1. Pick one asset class (e.g., stocks or real estate) and learn everything about it.
2. Network with savvy investors online or in local clubs.
3. Start small and learn something new about money and investing daily.

Ready to grow your wealth?
Start now with MoneyGeek’s financial planning guide and watch your investments grow. It’s time to make your money work as hard as you do!

🚗 Car Insurance Smarts (Part III): Hidden Savings You’re Probably Missing

Think you’ve unlocked every car insurance secret? Think again! Parts I and II gave you pro tips, like shopping early, bundling policies, and raising your deductible. But there’s always more to discover. In this final installment, we uncover hidden gems that can further lower your premium. Let’s dive in!

Boost Your Credit Score, Boost Your Savings
Here’s a secret: your credit score isn’t just for loans. Insurers use it to set rates. A higher score can mean big discounts on your premium. Start by paying bills on time, reducing debt, and checking your credit report for errors. Better credit = cheaper insurance!

Assign Teens to Older Cars
Got a teen driver? Insurers often charge higher premiums for younger drivers. Save big by assigning them as the primary driver of an older, less expensive car. This keeps rates lower while ensuring your shiny new ride isn’t tagged with the higher-risk label.

Try Telematics for Tailored Rates
Safe driver? Prove it with telematics programs that monitor your habits like speed and mileage. Drivers with excellent road manners can save up to 30%. It’s like turning your safe driving into a bonus reward.

Leverage Affinity Discounts
Your career, alma mater, or club memberships might unlock hidden perks. Teachers, first responders, and even members of certain organizations often qualify for exclusive insurance discounts. Ask your insurer—you might already qualify for a deal.

Pay in Full, Save Big
Yes, you can pay monthly. But if you pay your annual premium in full, some insurers slash up to 10% off your total bill. Don’t worry—this strategy skips the interest charges of monthly payments too.

Ready to unlock every saving opportunity? Cruise over to MoneyGeek’s comprehensive car insurance hub for personalized advice, tools, and tips. Don’t just drive smarter—ensure smarter!

Smart Cents gives you actionable tips and mindset shifts to help you reach your financial happy place. Thanks for being a part of our community.

The MoneyGeek Team

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