#21 In this episode, I break down Bilt 2.0 what changed, why it matters, and why it’s causing so much confusion in the points and miles world right now.

I start by revisiting why the original Bilt card worked so well, especially for people just getting into points and miles, and why Bilt decided to completely rethink the system. On the surface, Bilt 2.0 looks like a big upgrade especially with mortgages now included but once you look closer, things get complicated fast.

What I Cover in This Episode

• Why the original Bilt card was such a game-changer
• What Bilt 2.0 is trying to solve and where it gets messy
• A high level look at the three new Bilt cards launching February 7th
• Which card caught my attention (and which ones didn’t)
• A personal update on a card I applied for and how that turned out

The Big Question

The biggest shift with Bilt 2.0 is how you earn points on rent and mortgage. There’s a new system involved, more than one way to earn, and even Bilt made changes shortly after the announcement. I walk through the logic behind it so you can understand what’s going on without needing to be deep in the weeds.

My Honest Take

I wrap things up with who Bilt 2.0 might actually make sense for, who should probably skip it, and why you don’t need to feel pressure to jump in just because everyone else is talking about it.

If you’ve been wondering whether Bilt is still worth it, or how Bilt 2.0 might (or might not) fit into your own points strategy, this episode will help you think it through without the hype.

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
→ https://stan.store/rewardingroutes

Instagram
→ https://www.instagram.com/rewardingroutes/

Email
→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com

#20

2026 is a year of transition for us, and this episode is about how travel fits into that change. Rather than locking in a packed calendar or chasing big redemptions, this year is about slowing down, planning intentionally and letting travel evolve alongside life.

In this episode, I share a real time look at how I’m thinking about travel during a season where flexibility matters more than ever. Travel isn’t stopping it’s simply taking on a new shape. One that feels more aligned with where we are right now, and one that prioritizes sustainability, confidence and enjoyment over pressure or perfection.

This conversation isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about learning how to move forward when things feel uncertain, how to make space for change, and how travel can still play an important role even when priorities shift. Instead of focusing on exact plans or rigid timelines, this episode focuses on mindset, decision-making and the thought process behind keeping travel possible during a year of transition.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why we’re keeping our 2026 travel plans loose and intentionally simple, and how removing pressure actually makes planning easier and more enjoyable
• How points and miles become more valuable during years when priorities shift, not as a way to chase luxury, but as a tool for flexibility and peace of mind
• The mindset change from “maximizing trips” to building confidence through manageable travel, especially during seasons where energy, time, and focus look different
• How domestic trips help set the foundation for bigger travel later in the year, serving as learning experiences rather than checklists
• Why planning without pressure can actually lead to better experiences, fewer regrets, and more meaningful memories
• How this season is shaping the future direction of the podcast, with a stronger focus on learning in real time and sharing the journey honestly

This episode isn’t about exact itineraries or locked-in plans. It’s about the process behind planning travel during change, using points and miles as a flexibility tool, and allowing yourself to learn as you go instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment to start. It’s a reminder that travel doesn’t need to look the same every year to still be meaningful.

If travel feels different for you right now whether because of family, finances, career changes, or life in general this episode is meant to meet you where you are. It’s a reminder that travel doesn’t have to stop when life changes. Sometimes it just needs to adapt, slow down, and take on a new rhythm.

2026 is a learning year.
Travel will evolve.
And that’s still a rewarding route.

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
→ https://stan.store/rewardingroutes

Instagram
→ https://www.instagram.com/rewardingroutes/

Email
→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com

#19 This episode is a little different.

Instead of focusing on points, miles, or Japan, I’m sharing where my mind is right now one month before becoming a dad. As our family grows from two to three, I wanted to pause and record what this moment feels like before everything changes.

In this episode, I talk openly about the excitement, nerves, fears, and mindset shifts that come with preparing to travel as a family for the first time. Travel has always been a huge part of our lives, and rather than letting it disappear, we’re learning how it might evolve.

I share my thoughts on slowing down, adjusting expectations, traveling at a different pace, and why mindset, teamwork, and flexibility matter more than ever. This is also an episode I hope to look back on in the future to see what I got right, what I didn’t expect, and how we’ve grown along the way.

If you’re a new parent, an expecting parent, or someone wondering if travel is “over” once kids enter the picture, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Recording this moment before becoming a parent
• How travel will likely change with a child
• Slowing down and traveling with intention
• Fears around exhaustion, uncertainty, and the unknown
• Responding to the idea that “travel is over” after kids
• Why mindset and teamwork matter more than perfect plans
• How points and miles can still make yearly travel possible
• What future family travel might look like
• Why documenting this journey matters to me

This episode isn’t about having all the answers it’s about being honest, staying curious, and choosing to move forward with a positive mindset.

Thanks for being here and allowing me to share this chapter with you.

As always, keep building your rewarding route.

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
→ https://stan.store/rewardingroutes

Instagram
→ https://www.instagram.com/rewardingroutes/

Email
→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com