Ep. 393 | How to Get the Most Out of AIR MILES - Shawn Stewart, AIR MILES

Are you leaving money on the table by not collecting rewards? Or maybe you don't think it's worth the time and energy of signing up and remembering to scan your card (or use the app) to collect? Well, to hopefully change your mind and get you to start earning rewards on things you're already spending money on, for this episode, I'm joined by President of AIR MILES Shawn Stewart who shares what big changes have happened to the program, what innovations are to come, and how you can take advantage of this free program to earn miles and redeem for travel, merchandise and so much more.
I've actually been an AIR MILES member since I was in my early 20s and it was the first rewards program I ever signed up to since I remember being told by my mom that if you're not collecting rewards, you're missing out on free money. And it's true. Over the years, I've been able to redeem my miles for gift cards, free groceries, and merchandise, and it costs me nothing to participate besides the time it takes for me to whip out my card (or the app) and scan it whenever I'm doing my shopping.
I've always been of the mind that loyalty programs should be part of everyone's financial plan, so hopefully you'll learn a few things about why rewards are important, why you should take advantage, and what are the best ways to earn and redeem AIR MILES specifically.
*This episode of the More Money Podcast is sponsored by AIR MILES®. Sign up today and start earning rewards with the AIR MILES Reward Program™*
📖 CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
02:54 Guest Background
04:25 History and Acquisition of Air Miles
07:16 Increasing Value and Competition
08:32 Partnerships with Small Businesses
09:28 Discovering Air Miles Partners
11:59 Different Ways to Collect Air Miles
14:53 Understanding Dream Miles and Cash Miles
16:28 Preference for Instant Discount or Saving for Big Rewards
18:42 Redemption Trends and Strategies
21:09 Where to Find Deals
22:19 Understanding the Value of Miles
23:07 The Effort and Benefits of Loyalty Programs
24:08 Considering the Value of Participation
25:07 Integrating Loyalty Programs into Your Financial Plan
25:58 The Benefits of Credit Cards and Tiers
26:54 Redeeming Miles for Cars and Other Assets
27:59 Being Mindful of Your Loyalty Program Participation
29:13 Transferring Points in Unfortunate Circumstances
30:12 Considering Points in Estate Planning
32:42 Stories of Air Miles Collectors
33:18 Why Collect Miles
34:19 Upcoming Innovations and Partnerships
🤔 TAKEAWAYS
• Check the AIR MILES app, newsletters, and forums for deals and promotions.
• The value of miles depends on what you redeem them for.
• Integrate loyalty programs into your financial plan and consider credit cards and tiers for additional benefits.
• Be mindful of your loyalty program participation and regularly review your points.
📌 RESOURCES
Download the AIR MILES app www.airmiles.ca/en/get-help/download-the-app.html
Sign up for the AIR MILES® Reward Program™ www.airmiles.ca/en/join/profile-details.html
Show notes & transcript jessicamoorhouse.com/393
📈 WEALTH BUILDING BLUEPRINT FOR CANADIANS COURSE
Learn more about my investing course jessicamoorhouse.com/course
💻 BUDGET SPREADSHEETS
Download one of my budget spreadsheets to get your financial life together jessicamoorhouse.com/shop
🎙️ PODCAST STUDIO EQUIPMENT
Mic amzn.to/3AHpEEA
Audio interface amzn.to/3yH9VVH
Colour background lights amzn.to/3MdYEiU
Key light amzn.to/3ySPqVW
Side lights amzn.to/4fKEsTf
Backlight amzn.to/4dxfa9I
Backlight smart bulb amzn.to/4dPG2RT
MORE ABOUT ME
🙋‍♀️ ABOUT ME jessicamoorhouse.com/about
📚 BOOK jessicamoorhouse.com/book
🎙 PODCAST jessicamoorhouse.com/podcast
✉️ NEWSLETTER jessicamoorhouse.com/subscribe
📸 INSTAGRAM jessicaimoorhouse
DISCLAIMER & DISCLOSURE
The content I produce is for education and entertainment purposes only. Nothing on this KZbin channel, my website or affiliated channels should be considered financial, investment or legal advice, or an endorsement for any type of service, product, or brand. Some links in this description may be affiliate links in which I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Please read my disclaimer to learn more: jessicamoorhouse.com/disclaimer/

[@zerenli9142]

I love your podcast! Would you like to talk about how to live a better life in Canada as a foreigner? Like how to find a better job and what we can do after we find a job? Such as investing, buying a house or something else.

[@jessicamoorhouse]

For sure! Not sure if you've listened to these episodes yet but we touch on those topics: jessicamoorhouse.com/podcast/ep-378-ayo-owodunni/ jessicamoorhouse.com/podcast/ep-360-bisola-whizqueen/

[@Ruth-AnneKlassen]

Insightful interview! Learned a lot

[@jessicamoorhouse]

Thank you! I'm so glad!

[@ivan33776]

What is the benefit of using this program over, let's say Aeroplan?

[@jessicamoorhouse]

You don't have to choose, you can participate in both programs (like I do). But also, we talk about many of the benefits of Airmiles specifically in the episode.