Take Control of Your Financial Future

📈 January 2025 Money Diary

This month I navigated rising interest rates, tested a new budgeting app, and made a crucial portfolio adjustment. Here’s what worked and what didn’t…

Market Analysis Portfolio Updates Real Numbers

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🔍 Case Study: 2025 DMV Area Tax Software Deep Dive: TurboTax vs H&R Block vs TaxAct

We compared the top tax software for DC, Maryland, and Virginia residents in 2025. Compare state-specific features, multi-state filing options, and pricing for DMV tax situations….

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⚡ Time-Sensitive Opportunities

Expires soon:  Platinum Card® from American Express is offering 175,000 bonus points‼️

Expires in 45 days: PNC Virtual Wallet $700 cash bonus

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Latest Product Reviews

Personal Capital vs Mint

3 months of testing both platforms…

★★★★☆

4.0/5

Fidelity’s New Mobile App

Testing the redesigned interface…

★★★★★

4.8/5

SoFi Checking Account

6 months as a primary account…

★★★☆☆

3.5/5

📍 D.C. Money Related Events

Your weekly guide to money-saving events and financial opportunities in the District, Maryland, and Virginia. If you’d like to share an event please email [email protected]

Financial Planning Workshop @ Capital One Café

This event has concluded. Be sure to check back for upcoming events.

Free workshop covering retirement planning basics and investment strategies for DC residents…

Register Now →

DC First-Time Homebuyer Seminar

Saturday Jan 25, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Learn about DC-specific programs, grants, and financing options for first-time buyers…

RSVP Here →

Check out this month’s money events around D.C. →

💰 Local Deals

Deals specific to our area. If you’d like to share a deal please email [email protected]

✈️Do It With Points & Miles

Featured Redemption

DC to Paris: 40k Points Round-trip

Using Flying Blue miles during off-peak dates (Jan-March). Transfer from Chase, Amex, or Capital One.

See How →

Sweet Spot Routes from DC

• • IAD to Tokyo: 75k ANA miles business-class round trip (transfer from Amex)
• • DCA to Caribbean: 12.5k AA miles off-peak
• • BWI to Europe: 45k Flying Blue miles round trip

Local Airport Tips

• • Priority Pass lounge at BWI and IAD Terminal B
• • Centurion Lounge at DCA
• • Best value: Turkish Airlines from IAD

Hot Deals Alert

Limited Time Deals →

United MPE Card

70k miles bonus + $100 statement credit. Great for domestic flights from all DC airports.

Transfer Bonus

Amex to Avianca

25% transfer bonus – perfect for Star Alliance flights from IAD

Beginners Guide

Start here if you’re new to points

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Advanced Strategies

Maximizing transfer partners

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Award Charts

Best redemption values

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