Don’t forget to register for these benefits with the American Express Platinum

The Platinum Card® from American Express takes the cake for the highest annual fee ($695, see rates and fees) and one of the highest number of annual statement credits of any card. As a quick recap, here are the basic features of the Amex Platinum (enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply): New cardmembers…

I’m a longtime Carnival cruiser. Here’s what I thought of my first MSC cruise

I just cheated on my favorite cruise line. I’ve cruised with Carnival Cruise Line since 1998, beginning with the inaugural sailing of Carnival Paradise. Most of my family’s many cruises over the years have been on board a Carnival ship. We often chose the line because of its budget-friendly fares and the convenience of driving…

Why Embraer’s E-Jets will remain a workhorse for US regional airlines into the 2030s

If you are flying on a regional flight in the U.S. today, chances are it’s on an Embraer E-Jet. The E-Jet family — the E170 and E175, specifically — make up about half of the 1,367 regional jets that were flying for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines at the end…

The easiest way to earn a $40 sign-up bonus this holiday season is shopping via Rakuten

Savvy shoppers and fans of cash back, rejoice! Rakuten — a shopping portal that offers varying amounts of cash back across tons of retailers, both online and in person — is currently bursting with killer deals. If you’re new to Rakuten, use this referral link to sign up — you’ll get a $40 bonus when…

You can now earn points with Bilt Rewards when buying a home — here’s how

TPG Brian Kelly is a Bilt advisor and investor. Most known for rewarding members on rent payments, Bilt Rewards is now offering homebuyers the opportunity to earn Bilt Points on new home purchases. These Bilt points can then be redeemed to book travel with airlines and hotels, purchase home decor, pay for fitness classes and…

Disney confirms Muppet*Vision 3D closure at Hollywood Studios, but it’s not all bad news

There’s “Muppet Mayhem” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The crowd erupted in cheers when Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro took the stage at this summer’s D23, the Ultimate Disney Fan Event, to announce a new land themed to Disney and Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” was coming to Hollywood Studios. As soon as the cheers subsided, however, the…

From shopping portals to cash back: Your complete guide to maximizing Black Friday purchases

At TPG, we’re all about teaching you how to maximize your savings and points-earning at all times, including while shopping. And Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year, is quickly approaching. Here are some tips to make the most of your purchases this holiday season and beyond. Use an online shopping portal CASHBACKMONITOR.COM…