Ever stare at your property tax bill and feel that knot in your stomach?You're not alone.
Homeowners across America face these massive bills every year. In California, the average property tax bill is around $8,000. In New Jersey, it's even higher at $12,000.
But what if I told you that same bill keeping you up at night could actually fund your next luxury vacation?I know it sounds crazy. But stay with me here.
Here's how smart homeowners are turning property taxes into paradise:
The Strategy:
Step 1: Right Card Selection
- High welcome bonus
- Large minimum spend
- Good category rewards
- Points flexibility
Step 2: Timing Is Everything
- Align tax due date with card opening
- Factor in processing time
- Consider payment deadlines
- Plan points posting dates
The Math:
Example: $10,000 Property Tax Bill
Traditional Payment:
- Check or bank transfer
- Reward earned: $0
- Vacation fund: $0
Smart Payment:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Welcome bonus: 150,000 points
- Regular points: 10,000
- Processing fee: $300 (3%)
Total Value:
- Points earned: 160,000
- Travel value: $3,200+
- Net profit: $2,900
Other Big Expenses to Consider:
- Insurance Premiums
- Home insurance
- Car insurance
- Life insurance
- Premium timing
- Home Improvements
- Contractor payments
- Materials
- Appliances
- Renovations
- Business Expenses
- Inventory
- Software
- Marketing
- Equipment
- Education
- Tuition
- Books
- Housing
- Fees
Tips for Success:
- Compare Processing Fees
- Some providers charge less
- Look for promotional rates
- Calculate point values
- Consider net benefit
- Stack Benefits
- Shopping portals
- Card offers
- Merchant promotions
- Season timing
- Plan Ahead
- Card application timing
- Payment schedules
- Point posting dates
- Travel booking windows
Remember: Your next property tax bill is coming whether you like it or not. The only question is whether it'll fund your next dream vacation or just be another bill you pay.
What's the best credit card to use? Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve stands out as a top-tier travel card, despite its premium price tag. The value proposition becomes much more attractive when you factor in the yearly $300 travel reimbursement.
As for rewards, once you've used your annual $300 travel credit, you'll rack up points quickly: booking through Chase Travel℠ nets you 10X points on hotels and rental cars, plus 5X points on flights. Everything else travel or dining-related earns 3X points, while standard purchases get you 1 point per dollar spent.
Ready to turn your big expenses into dream vacations?
Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.