My husband Todd is someone who has taught me many times what it looks like to live intentionally. He is a thinker, planner, and is very strategic in making decisions.
He is wise and intentional when it comes to our family decisions and how we spend our money, including what credit cards we use. Thanks to carefully saving up our credit card points for 2 (almost 3) years, we were able to pay off our recent family room basement makeover.
We use the MasterCard Citi Thank You Preferred Card and earn ‘thank you’ points when we do. We use the credit card for everything that we can. Todd is careful to pay it off, in full, each month. The points add up, allowing us to do extra things that we normally would not be able to do, like makeover our basement.
Our girls are 13, 16 & almost 18. We wanted to create not just a family space to enjoy the little time we have left with them, but also a space that they could bring their friends (and boyfriends) to hang out and be comfortable (but not TOO comfortable…boyfriends..ahem..) in.
We finished off our basement 10 years ago when we moved in, but it needed updating. The paint color needed to be changed, the couch was sad and sunken with so much wear and tear that holes were starting to form, and our TV was too small for the space. A bigger TV meant a larger TV console. We also wanted a table with 6 chairs for playing board/ card games and a ping-pong table.
Our Basement Family Room Makeover Wish List
- paint
- new couches
- large television for movies and video games
- television console with storage
- table + 6 chairs for board/card games
- ping pong table
Thanks to the help of credit card rewards/points, our wishes came true.
We changed the bright orange paint to a warm blue. We found gray couches that were firm but cozy. The table and chairs were hard to find since we were adamant about having 6 chairs but the space we had to fit them in was pretty small. Todd’s intentionality came in handy when measuring the space and making sure the table and chairs would fit. We have made some great family memories around that table already!
We have so enjoyed our larger TV during family movie nights and the storage in the new console is amazing. It hides all our video games and controllers. The ping pong table is very popular when friends come over.
We have so enjoyed our new family room basement makeover and are very thankful for the credit card we use, the rewards we receive and how it is the perfect match for our lifestyle!
Finding The Perfect Credit Card
There are so many types of credit card reward programs out there. There are some reward programs that literally give you cash back, others give travel points, and some even give gift cards to your favorite stores. Some have an annual fee, some don’t.
It can be overwhelming to decide which card is best for your particular lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to be. Creditcards.com believes in empowering people to make smart choices around their credit cards, which means using the right card for you in the right way.
Their CardMatch tool helps you find the perfect credit card match. It is easy to use and securely matches you with offers in less than 60 seconds. Did you know that 10% of your credit score is determined by the number of inquiries you make to new credit cards? This is why the CardMatch tool is so amazing, you can get matched up with several cards in seconds without your credit score being impacted in any way.
Using a credit card responsibly can be a great way to make life easier, and being intentional in saving the rewards or making sure the benefits fit your lifestyle can add much value to your life. It sure has ours.
A basement makeover is great, but the memories we are making and continue to make with family and friends in that new space are amazing. Intentionality pays off!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CREDIT CARD? DO YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF REWARDS?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
liz cooper
March 10, 2017 at 2:56 pmReally awesome, Amy.!!!
AmyNewNostalgia
March 20, 2017 at 9:47 amThank you Liz! You will have to come visit and see it in person. <3
Dee Tracy
March 10, 2017 at 7:46 amHi Amy! We use the credit card through our credit union. We’ve been saving our points and will be flying our son and his girlfriend in from New York. I can’t wait to see them!
AmyNewNostalgia
March 20, 2017 at 9:47 amI LOVE how you are using your points. What a treat for your son and girlfriend….and for you!