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
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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
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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
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Mortgage rate forecast for November 2022: Rates get frostier
The holidays are mere weeks away, but there’s not much to celebrate about the mortgage rate climate.
4 min read Nov 01, 2022 -
How to avoid a CD early withdrawal penalty
Withdrawing your money from a CD before the term ends can be costly.
4 min read Oct 05, 2022 -
What is closing day?
It’s the actual date a home changes hands. Here’s how to make sure you’re ready.
5 min read Oct 05, 2022 -
Investing in Tesla stock in 2022
Tesla is one of the leading innovators in electric vehicles. Here’s what to know if you’re considering buying Tesla stock
9 min read Oct 05, 2022 -
Lenders offer mortgage relief for victims of Hurricane Ian
Following the storm, Fannie Mae and others have authorized forbearance plans for affected borrowers.
2 min read Oct 05, 2022 -
Popularity of cryptocurrency plummets among millennials in 2022
Crypto is a high-risk investment that many are growing less comfortable with.
4 min read Sep 28, 2022 -
Selling a home in Connecticut
A persistent imbalance between supply and demand makes it a good time to sell in Connecticut. Here’s everything to know.
8 min read Sep 27, 2022 -
Buying a house in Connecticut: A how-to
With prices increasing and days on market shrinking, it’s a tricky time to be a Connecticut homebuyer.
9 min read Sep 27, 2022