Forget the complicated flowcharts. Here’s my dead-simple card strategy for busy parents:

Year 1: Pick ONE no-annual-fee or low-annual-fee card. Use it for everything. Learn the system. (Chase Sapphire Preferred would be a good one)

Year 2: Add a hotel card OR airline card (pick based on where you actually want to go)

Year 3: Maybe add a premium card IF the benefits actually save you money. (AmEx Gold)

That’s it. No spreadsheets. No churning every 3 months. No business cards you’re scared to apply for.

I know people with 20+ cards who barely travel more than me with my handful of cards. More isn’t always better.

The secret? Pick cards that match how you actually spend money, not how you think you should spend money.

My Southwest card gets used constantly because I fly Southwest. My hotel card sits in a drawer because I rarely stay at the same chain twice 🤷‍♀️

Work smarter, not harder.