The Propeller – Swipe Smarter, Not Harder: Mastering the Art of Credit Cards – 9/17/2023

People will forget what you have said. People will forget what you have done. But people will never forget how you made them feel. 

Making people feel great about themselves involves a combination of empathy, positivity, and genuine care. One of the most powerful ways to achieve this is through active listening and sincere compliments. By actively listening to their thoughts, concerns, and experiences, you show that you value their perspective and are interested in what they have to say. Offering genuine compliments, and focusing on their strengths and accomplishments, can boost their self-esteem and reinforce their positive self-image. Additionally, practicing empathy, understanding their feelings, and providing support when needed can create a safe and uplifting environment where people feel appreciated and valued. Ultimately, making others feel great about themselves involves fostering a sense of belonging, acceptance, and encouragement, which can have a profound and lasting impact on their self-confidence and well-being.

Credit cards offer a wealth (<– see what I did there?) of opportunities to save money. The key is paying them off every month. Otherwise, they drain wealth.

So before I go any further, understand that point I just made.

For credit cards to save you money, you must pay them off every month.

That’s not optional. It’s a requirement.

How can credit cards save you money?

1. Cashback and Rewards: Most of us know that credit cards offer cashback and rewards points on a percentage of your purchases. These rewards can add up over time and be used for future purchases, effectively giving you a discount on your spending.
   
2. Travel Benefits: Some credit cards offer travel-related perks such as airline miles, hotel discounts, and access to airport lounges. I have flown for free many times because of the travel perks racked up from my credit cards. Nothing like free flights (and hotels), eh?
   
3. Introductory Offers: Many credit cards offer introductory 0% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) on purchases and balance transfers for a limited period. This can be a great way to save money on interest if you need to make a large purchase or if you’re carrying a balance on another high-interest card.
   
4. Consumer Protections: Credit cards often come with consumer protection features like extended warranties, purchase protection, and fraud protection. That means you might not need to fork out extra money for that “extended warranty” that so many stores really want you to buy.
   
5. Budgeting and Tracking: Using credit cards can make it easier to track your spending since most issuers provide detailed statements. This helps you identify where your money is going and potentially find areas to cut back and save money.
   
6. Building Credit: A strong credit history can lead to better interest rates on loans and mortgages. Using a credit card responsibly and making timely payments every month can build and maintain a good credit score, saving you money in the long run.
   
7. Emergency Expenses: Having a credit card can provide a financial safety net in case of unexpected expenses or emergencies. It can help you cover immediate costs and give you time to manage your finances without resorting to high-interest loans.
   
8. Discounts and Offers: Some credit cards provide access to exclusive discounts and offers with partner merchants. These deals can help you save money on everyday purchases and services.
   
9. No Foreign Transaction Fees: If you travel internationally, using a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees can save you money on currency conversion costs.

Clearly, credit cards provide a ton of benefits, provided you:

• Pay your balance off every month
• Don’t spend extra money just for the points
• Be aware of annual fees that some cards charge

If you’re responsible with your credit card, use it.

Here’s a simple formula you can use to craft any type of email request:

1. Start with Empathy

“I’m so sorry to keep going back and forth on this. Their management is putting me in a tight spot.”

Empathy is likely the strongest tool in communication. Use it.

2. Ask Your Request

“Is there any way you’d be interested in giving the buyers the $5,000 credit they’re asking for or any other solution we may want to try?”

This request is softened by the language choice. There’s also implied joint responsibility in “we may want to try?”

3. Add Your Fluff/Positivity

“It was so great seeing you the other day!”

Most people start with the fluff. Instead, I recommend keeping it to the end. 

Writing emails this way makes you come across as much more authentic and less canned.

What are some of your email tips?  Send them over to me!

My goal of reading one book a week in 2023 is still underway. 

What I read Last week:

May your Halloween candy stash be as bountiful as the stores’ displays in September,

This is re-published from the weekly email sent by Leonard Mack entitled The Propeller. To subscribe, visit https://www.LeonardMack.com/subscribe and read it every Sunday evening.

This intellectual nourishment is intended for informational purposes only. One should not construe anything herein as being legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

My rule is this – I have no advice to give, only experience to share. I have no interest in being a guru or telling people what they should do. Rather, I share my own experience because there is no right or wrong. Your mileage may vary.