When we travel as a family, rideshare is unavoidable at times. Yes, we do rental cars, but for quick in-and-out trips, it’s typically rideshare for us. Airport transfers, hotel rides, theme parks, dinners — those costs add up quickly. Since we’re already paying for rides, we want them to work for us rather than feel […]

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If you have young adult children coming home for Christmas, this is one of the BEST times of the year to help them take a really important step toward their financial future: building their credit the right way. A strong credit history is one of the most valuable financial tools they can have. It helps […]

When my son was in 3rd grade, we started reading and listening to the Harry Potter books together—and something just clicked. Before long he was mixing “potions” in the kitchen, carrying around a wand made of sticks from our backyard, and even building a life-size Nimbus 2000 out of whatever he could find in the […]

After a few action-packed days exploring San Francisco, we slowed things down for the most peaceful stretch of our California road trip — three nights in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. This was the midpoint between the big-city buzz up north and the theme-park energy waiting for us down south. It ended up being our favorite part […]

Seattle marked both the beginning and end of our 10-day Washington road trip. We flew into Seattle, drove straight to Mount Rainier National Park, spent several days exploring Olympic National Park, and finished our trip back in the city. Our final stop was everything we needed — a comfy stay at the Hyatt Place Seattle […]

There’s something magical about seeing Mount Rainier for the first time — that massive, snow-covered volcano rising out of the clouds doesn’t look real until you’re standing at its base. For our family’s 10-day Washington adventure, we flew into Seattle, spent a few days exploring Mount Rainier National Park, crossed the ferry to Olympic National […]

There’s a new transfer bonus available for a limited time! Through November 6, 2025, Chase is offering a 25% bonus when you transfer Ultimate Rewards® points to Southwest Rapid Rewards®. That means every 1,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points becomes 1,250 Southwest Rapid Rewards® points. Transfers generally process within one business day, though they can take […]

Quick TL;DR: These 10 cards are my top picks for families in October 2025 — from no-fee business earners to premium travel cards that fund big trips. Choose based on whether you want low-effort everyday earning, a path to a Companion Pass, or a massive welcome bonus for big family trips. TL;DR — Quick Picks […]

Before heading to Acadia National Park, spend a day or two soaking up the charm of Portland, Maine. This coastal city shines in fall with cobblestone streets, cozy coffee shops, and some of the best seafood in New England. From the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse to the food stalls and breweries downtown, Portland is the […]