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If you want to know how to stay organized earning over a million points a year, here’s how I do it, without spreadsheets, apps I’ll forget to use, or overwhelming and over-complicated systems. I know that managing all of these credit cards and figuring out which points come from where and how to apply them can be extremely intimidating and just feel like too much. It especially feels this way because I know that as a mom you are already managing your family’s entire schedule. But, learning how to stay organized earning points is the key to making the most of credit card rewards.
I promise that it’s doable! If I want those free flights and hotel nights to actually happen for my family of six, I can’t afford to let points expire, miss a welcome bonus deadline, or forget which card I’m supposed to be using at the grocery store. I figured out how to keep it organized so that YOU don’t have to!
If you’re just getting started with points, my Beginner’s Guide to Travel Rewards is a great place to start.
Tools That Make a Difference
These are a few of the tools I love for managing points, miles, and all the cards that come with this world. If you’re feeling scattered, I promise these help.
Travel Freely App: Track Cards & Bonuses
This is hands down the first thing I recommend to anyone trying to keep track of points and welcome offers. If you’re serious about learning how to stay organized earning points, this app is essential. Here are a few of the things the app manages for you:
- Tracks credit card sign-up dates
- Monitors your 5/24 status
- Sends reminders for annual fees
- Alerts you before a welcome bonus deadline slips past
- Free to use
- No bank logins or sensitive financial info required
You do have to enter in information like the date you opened the card, but it’s built specifically for points and miles users. It even tracks cards for user 1 and user 2, which is super helpful when you have a partner helping out with earning the points and miles.
Monarch Money: Stay on Budget
While Travel Freely tracks my card strategy, Monarch Money helps me manage actual spending, which is especially helpful when I’m trying to meet a minimum spend for a new card. Not only does it help me track for my minimum spend, it helps with my household budgeting too, which in turn keeps my credit score high! Remember, the goal is to pay off our cards every month, so Monarch Money comes in handy for that too.
- Links all our accounts in one place
- Helps me create budgets and savings goals
- Shows real-time spending across categories
- Great household view (my husband can log in too)
- Amazing for keeping an eye on minimum spend progress
It does have a small monthly fee (but there’s a free trial).
It’s not built just for points and miles like travel freely, but I still find it incredibly helpful. And when you’re working to stay organized earning points, knowing where your money is going matters.
A Wallet for Cards I’m Not Using Right Now
Earning lots of points means having lots of cards, and I’m not about to carry 20+ of them around. I use a large accordion wallet to keep my inactive cards safe and easy to find when I need to rotate a new one in.
It lives in a drawer, and anytime I get a new card or I’m done meeting minimum spend, it goes in this wallet. It’s a simple but effective part of how to stay organized earning points.
Here’s the link to the wallet I bought, but it’s showing out of stock. ➡️ Here’s one that’s similar.
Why I Keep a Cancelled Card Wallet
Yes, I keep a separate wallet for cancelled cards too. Why? A few reasons:
- I like having a record of past cards to help me track future eligibility
- Some banks require a wait period before you can reapply
- Sometimes I need the card number or details for a past purchase, especially if I booked a trip months ago and need to reference it later
It’s basically my credit card archive and is a great way to reference past cards for whatever reason that might come up.
Mini Wallet for Travel Days
When I travel, I downsize everything. This mini wallet fits a few lounge access cards, the card I booked the trip with (hello, travel protections), and a backup card for just in case.
And yes, my mini salt container comes too. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m a HUGE fan of Relyte, but I’ve loved carrying this mini salt container with me too. A private chef taught me what a difference a great salt can make only our food. (code rewardsmom gets you 15% off). Find the link for the mini salt containers here.
Use my code: rewardsmom to save money: wallet, lip balm (but actually salt) holder, lanyard. Or, if you love a good deal- check out the 50% off page. My code should stack!
Final Thoughts on Staying Organized with Points
If you’re just starting out in the points and miles world, don’t feel like you need to implement everything all at once. Pick one tool that helps you feel more in control, whether that’s an app or just getting your cards in one place.
This system is what works for me. It helps me earn over a million points a year and turn them into trips my kids will never forget. Staying organized is half the magic. Learning how to stay organized earning points means more stress-free travel and fewer missed opportunities.
Want more tips for getting started? Check out my post on how to start using points and miles.
Curious which cards I recommend? These are my favorite travel credit cards for earning flexible points.
Need help with tracking your spending to hit a minimum spend? I explain more in my minimum spend guide.
Follow along on Instagram, join my email list, or jump into the Facebook group to ask questions and learn more!
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