7 tips for traveling with friends using travel rewards
Booking travel with friends can be tricky when using different rewards programs.
8 min read
Nov 08, 2024
Cathleen McCarthy
Former Senior Editor, Credit Cards
EXPERTISE
- Rewards strategy
- Small business marketing
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of arts degree in journalism, the University of Maryland
Highlights
- Journalist published in dozens of magazines, newspapers and websites
- Founder and editor of The Jewelry Loupe
- Speaker and writer specializing in small-business marketing, travel and credit
Experience
After receiving her B.A. in magazine journalism from the University of Maryland, Cathleen worked as a staff editor for consumer and trade magazines before becoming a full-time freelance writer.
Her stories on design, travel and business have appeared in dozens of publications including the Washington Post, Town & Country, Wall Street Journal, Marie Claire, Fodor’s Travel, Departures and The Writer. In 2009, she launched The Jewelry Loupe, a magazine-style blog that now has more than 25,000 followers around the world. Cathleen writes and speaks about marketing creative small businesses.
Media
"Opening a Storefront" for the Jewelry Business Forum last month and building a brand at NYNOW last year.
Business
Blog: https://thejewelryloupe.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/thejewelryloupe/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/thejewelryloupe
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thejewelryloupe
Cathleen's latest articles
-
-
How I combined Amex rewards to book a trip for two to Greece
How I combined Amex cards to book a trip for two to Greece.
4 min read Oct 18, 2023
-
Why you should have money conversations with your children early
Talking money with your kids can help them become financially responsible adults.
4 min read Dec 08, 2023 -
Why I’m skipping Black Friday for Small Business Saturday
This year, I want to be intentional about shopping small.
4 min read Nov 13, 2023 -
Credit card application rules by issuer
There are a litany of rules around approvals, welcome bonus eligibility and the number of cards you can have.
9 min read Oct 24, 2023 -
Best hotel perks you can get with a credit card
Hotel rewards credit card holders can get access to room upgrades, late checkout, free breakfast, lounge access and free nights among other perks.
4 min read Oct 18, 2023 -
Why I pay my rent with a credit card
Charging rent on a credit card has drawbacks. But given the amount Americans pay for rent, there’s a strong incentive to earn rewards.
5 min read Oct 16, 2023 -
How I use credit cards to combat inflation
When prices go up, credit cards can help you keep costs down. Here’s how one personal finance expert is using her airline credit card to save money and combat inflation.
3 min read Aug 11, 2023 -
How to grocery shop during a recession
What to buy, when to shop and how to earn rewards on groceries
3 min read Jul 27, 2023 -
Cards that get you top-tier hotel elite status via card spending
Whether you’re a business traveler or taking the family on a much-needed vacation, having elite status can pay off.
6 min read Jun 30, 2023
-
How to invest in art
Investing in art comes with the potential for significant gains, but it also carries unique risks.
5 min read Jun 21, 2022 -
What’s the minimum age for an authorized user?
One way parents can begin the conversation with their children about credit is by adding them to their existing credit card accounts as authorized users.
5 min read Jun 20, 2022 -
How to invest in augmented reality and virtual reality
It’s all part of the metaverse-driven future.
5 min read Jun 20, 2022 -
Homeowners with mortgages prior to 2008 still have opportunity to refinance
There are still some homeowners who can cut their monthly mortgage payment with a refi.
1 min read Jun 20, 2022 -
What are the different types of window treatments? A beginner’s guide
Hard or soft? Drapes, blinds or shades? how to decide what suits your home’s style.
4 min read Jun 17, 2022 -
Is it time to break up with your real estate agent?
Is it time to break up with your real estate agent?
3 min read Jun 17, 2022 -
Customers growing less satisfied with bank and credit card digital experiences
Bank and credit card website and mobile app satisfaction ratings are falling.
3 min read Jun 17, 2022 -
Apple joins buy now, pay later craze with Apple Pay Later
The technology titan’s new BNPL offering is making waves in the market, which is already facing economic and regulatory strains.
4 min read Jun 10, 2022