Ashley Fricker

Chase cardholders can now turn their credit card points into cash to invest, giving Ultimate Rewards members a new way to put their rewards to work. Many credit card points programs deliver immediate gratification to cardholders by enabling them to redeem their points for things such as cash back, discounts on travel purchases, and even merchandise.

Navy Federal is giving military families a new way to earn more rewards on travel, but some members may have to sacrifice everyday points to get them. The Flagship Premier Visa Signature Credit Card is now available to Navy Federal members. In a press release, Navy Federal said it designed the card for military servicemembers and veterans, as well as their families. Navy Federal positioned the card as a simpler alternative to travel rewards programs with rotating categories.

We deploy a step-by-step methodology to each piece of research we publish to ensure our studies offer complete coverage and meet our rigorous editorial standards. So much of conventional wisdom says that to get ahead financially, you need to earn more. What if where you live can boost your bottom line by providing more breathing room on the housing, taxes, and everyday expenses that you pay? And this may be especially true for middle-class households facing an affordability crisis.