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The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Weighing the Pros and Cons

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Weighing the Pros and Cons

By: Michael Esparza

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a premium credit card that offers flexible rewards on travel, dining, and other categories. The card also comes with several perks and benefits that can enhance your travel experience and protect your purchases. But is the card worth the $95 annual fee? Here are some pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Generous welcome bonus: The card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards, the online portal where you can book flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more.

You can also transfer your points to one of the 13 airline and hotel partners, such as United, Southwest, Hyatt, and Marriott, at a 1:1 ratio. This can potentially increase the value of your points, depending on how you use them.

High rewards rate: The card earns 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit. You can also earn 5 points per dollar on Lyft purchases (through March 2025) and on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through March 2025, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points).

You can earn 3 points per dollar on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), and select streaming services (Apple Music, Apple TV, Disney+, ESPN+, Fubo TV, Max, Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, Paramount+, Peacock, Showtime, SiriusXM, Sling, Spotify, YouTube Premium, YouTube TV and Vudu).

You can earn 2 points per dollar on other travel purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are flexible and valuable, as they can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or transferred to various airline and hotel partners.

Travel and purchase benefits: The card has no foreign transaction fees, which can save you money when you travel abroad. The card also offers baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, and access to the Global Assist Hotline. Plus, you can get up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

You can also get up to $10 in Uber Cash monthly, which can be used for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Additionally, you can get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel.

Cons of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card

Annual fee: The card has a $95 annual fee, which is not waived for the first year. This means you need to spend enough on the card and use the credits and benefits to justify the cost. If you don’t travel or dine out frequently, you may be better off with a lower-fee or no-fee card that still offers rewards on everyday spending.

Limited bonus categories: The card only offers bonus points on travel, dining, online groceries, and select streaming services. If you spend a lot on other categories, such as gas, entertainment, or online shopping, you may not earn as many points as you would with a card that has more diverse bonus categories. For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers 2 miles per dollar on every purchase.

Lower rewards value for non-travel options: The card’s rewards are best redeemed for travel, either through Chase Ultimate Rewards or by transferring to partners. If you prefer to use your points for other options, such as statement credits or gift cards, you may get a lower value per point. For example, 10,000 points are worth $100 in travel, but only $60 in statement credits or $70 in gift cards.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great option for travelers who want to earn and redeem flexible points for a variety of travel options. The card has a generous welcome bonus, a high rewards rate on travel and dining, and several perks and benefits that can save you money and enhance your travel experience. The card has a reasonable annual fee, but you need to make sure you use the card enough to offset the cost. If you are looking for a travel rewards card that can help you plan your next trip, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card may be the one for you. If you are interested in the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, visit https://www.referyourchasecard.com/6j/HJ6WDTQ56W to learn more.

50 Cent on Diddy Skipping Grammys Ceremony Amid Assault Allegations: ‘Puff I Think You Should Go… LMAO’

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It was recently confirmed that Diddy would not be attending this year’s Grammys despite his ‘Love Album’ project being nominated.

50 cent and diddy are pictured

Images via Getty/Shareif Ziyadat & Getty/Ricky Vigil M / Justin E Palmer/GC Images

50 Cent isn’t letting a single Diddy headline pass him by without offering some commentary of his own.

The latest example of this sees the Power executive producer responding to news that Diddy would indeed be skipping the upcoming Grammys ceremony following abuse allegations. Diddy’s The Love Album: Off the Grid is nominated this year for Best Progressive R&B Album; however, his reps recently confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter that he would not be in attendance.

“Wait puff I think you should go,” 50 wrote on Instagram this week, as seen below. “[T]hey not gonna give you no trophy LMAO get the fvck outta here.”

instagram screenshot

As noted above, this is far from the first time 50 has publicly mocked Diddy over the recent wave of allegations against him. In December, for example, 50 shared a series of IG updates aimed at Diddy, including one in response to what was then speculation about the status of the Bad Boy Records founder’s invitation from the Recording Academy.

“Every day there is something new,” 50 said at the time.

Diddy was sued last November by Cassie, who accused him of rape. That suit was quickly settled, though Diddy was later accused of assault by additional women. In a statement, Diddy denied the allegations.

“Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged,” he said in December. “I will fight for my name, my family, and for the truth.”

Walmart Sued by Texas Man Seeking ‘Lifetime’ of Free Shopping or $100 Million in Vague ‘Civil Rights’ Case

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Walmart Sued by Texas Man Seeking ‘Lifetime’ of Free Shopping or $100 Million in Vague ‘Civil Rights’ Case
walmart signage is pictured
Image via Getty/Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto

Walmart is being sued by a man in Texas who’s asking to be awarded with either $100 million or the privilege of cost-free shopping for the rest of his life. Notably, the man in question previously pursued legal action against Walmart back in 2021, resulting in a quickly dismissed case.

Per a report from KXAS-TV, Roderick Jackson filed a pair of complaints in court in Arkansas earlier this month, where Walmart is headquartered. In the handwritten complaints, viewed by Complex, Jackson says he is “sewing [sic] for false pretense of shoplifting.”

One complaint’s cause of action is listed as the Civil Rights Act, while the other lists “other civil rights.” The alleged incident is claimed to have taken place at a Walmart in the Omaha, Nebraska area.

As for what Jackson is asking for in his legal action, that comes down to either $100 million in damages or “unlimited free lifetime shopping at any Walmart,” per one handwritten complaint. The latter demand is alternately worded as “lifetime shopping (free) at any Walmart stores” in the other complaint.

Worth noting is that Jackson previously filed a nearly identical lawsuit against Walmart back in 2021 based on the same allegations. That suit was quickly dismissed, a Walmart spokesperson noted in a statement to NBC News on Thursday. The rep added that Walmart will defend itself “against the allegations” once the company has been “properly served.”

Although this isn’t the first time legal action against Walmart has made headlines, the 2021 claims at the center of this latest story did not garner much attention in connection with the originally dismissed suit.

Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center Rescues Frozen Bats Amidst Texas Cold Snap

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Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center Rescues Frozen Bats Amidst Texas Cold Snap

In the whimsical realm of bats, where upside-down slumbers and sonar-guided insect hunts prevail, a recent cold snap in Texas revealed an unexpected vulnerability. As temperatures in Houston plunged to a bone-chilling 24 degrees during a formidable storm, the city’s bat colonies, particularly those under the Waugh Drive Bridge, faced a dire challenge. The Mexican free-tailed bats, unaccustomed to such frigid conditions, found themselves succumbing to hypothermic shock, tumbling from their perches onto the icy pavement below.

Stepping in as unsung heroes, the dedicated team at the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center sprang into action. Responding to the harsh weather conditions, the nonprofit mobilized its staff to rescue the fallen bats scattered across the Houston area.

By Tuesday morning, the compassionate team had successfully rescued 130 bats, providing a warm refuge for these delicate creatures at the Wildlife Center. The rescued bats, some of whom suffered injuries during their unexpected descent, are now receiving top-notch treatment, including evaluations by wildlife veterinarians and around-the-clock care until they regain their ability to fly.

Inside the Wildlife Center, equipped with incubators and life-saving equipment, the rescued bats are not only undergoing rescue but also rehabilitation—a mission that echoes the center’s commitment in 2022 when over 1,600 bats were nursed back to health during freezing conditions. This underscores the Wildlife Center’s unwavering dedication to wildlife conservation, recognizing the vital role bats play in maintaining the delicate ecosystem.

Bats, as nature’s pest controllers, contribute significantly to environmental balance by keeping insect populations in check. The Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center is not just a rescuer but a guardian of this balance, urging the community to remain vigilant. A hotline (713-468-8972) has been established for reporting stranded or distressed bats and other wildlife, emphasizing the crucial role of community involvement.

For those who encounter a stranded bat in need of temporary care, the Wildlife Center’s website (https://www.houstonhumanewildlife.org/found-an-animal/) offers valuable instructions. Through warmth, care, and community vigilance, the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center ensures that these little winged wonders continue to grace the night skies, dancing through the darkness as nature intended.

City of Houston Issues Water Guidance: Dripping Faucets Not Recommended Amidst Impending Freeze

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City of Houston Issues Water Guidance: Dripping Faucets Not Recommended Amidst Impending Freeze

As frigid temperatures loom over Houston, homeowners face the dilemma of whether to drip their faucets to prevent frozen pipes. The answer, however, is not universal and depends on the water source.

For those receiving water from a pumping station, which applies to the majority of Houston residents, the recommendation is a resounding “no” to dripping faucets. Conversely, if your water comes from a water tower, as is the case in some areas outside of Houston, the answer is a cautious “yes.”

The City of Houston’s water distribution relies on pump stations on the ground rather than water towers. City officials are actively advising Houston residents against dripping faucets, as it could exert pressure on the water system, potentially leading to a shutdown.

Erin Jones, a spokesperson for Houston Public Works, emphasized the negative impact of running faucets on water pressure, stating, “If water pressure gets too low, then you get a burn water notice. And you don’t want that in the middle of a freeze.”

Instead of dripping faucets, the city recommends alternative measures to safeguard against freezing. Residents are urged to open cabinet doors under sinks located next to outside walls to allow heat in, shut off water to washing machines in unheated garages, and monitor pipes that have experienced freezing in the past. Houstonians planning to be away during the anticipated cold freeze are advised to prepare their homes by draining outside faucets or leaving their home heating system on a low temperature.

As the city braces for an impending cold freeze in the coming days, officials are urging residents to proactively prepare for the frigid weather. The Energy Reliability Council of Texas has notified the public about the expected “extreme cold weather across the region” from Monday, Jan. 15, to Wednesday, Jan. 17, reassuring that “grid conditions are expected to be normal.” Houston homeowners are encouraged to take preventive measures promptly to mitigate the potential impact of freezing temperatures on their water systems.

Donald Trump Secures Victory in Iowa Caucuses, Asserts Dominance in GOP Presidential Race

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Donald Trump Secures Victory in Iowa Caucuses, Asserts Dominance in GOP Presidential Race

In a resounding triumph, Donald Trump has emerged victorious in the Iowa caucuses, solidifying his position as the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination. This win marks a historic milestone for Trump, aiming to become the first former president since Grover Cleveland in the 1890s to return to office after losing re-election to a second consecutive term.

Trump’s record-breaking showing in the first contest of 2024 not only secured him a majority of the vote, as projected by NBC News, but also surpassed the 13-point margin of victory achieved by Sen. Bob Dole in the 1996 Republican caucuses. The commanding performance underscores the absence of a decisive demand for an alternative as the race transitions to the upcoming New Hampshire primary.

While Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis claimed a second-place finish, prevailing over former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, the distant nature of his position raises questions about the momentum gained. Despite the competition for the top spot, both DeSantis and Haley remain optimistic about their positions, emphasizing their strength as the race progresses.

Addressing supporters in Des Moines, Trump expressed a call for unity, stating, “I really think this is time now for everybody, our country, to come together.” Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, who initially defended Trump but later criticized him, suspended his campaign after a fourth-place finish and endorsed Trump.

The contrasts between Trump, DeSantis, and Haley were evident in their campaign strategies and caucus night events. Trump’s comfortable win reflects unwavering loyalty among GOP voters, despite legal challenges. His sophisticated turnout operation, focused on identifying new voters, showcased a level of campaign proficiency not previously associated with Trump.

As Trump continues to dominate the GOP landscape, the focus shifts to New Hampshire, where he is expected to further solidify his position. The results of the Iowa caucuses set the stage for a highly competitive and dynamic Republican primary race, with Trump’s resilience facing both loyalty and legal challenges.

What Is a FICO Score and How Does ItAffect Your Credit?

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What Is a FICO Score and How Does ItAffect Your Credit?

By: Michael Esparza

If you have ever applied for a loan, a credit card, or any other form of credit, you have probably heard of the term FICO score. But what exactly is a FICO score and why is it important for your financial health?

A three-digit FICO score, often simply referred to as a credit score, is a numerical representation of an individual’s creditworthiness. It is a crucial financial metric that lenders, creditors, and financial institutions use to assess the risk associated with lending money or extending credit to consumers. The term “FICO” is an acronym derived from the company that developed this scoring model, the Fair Isaac Corporation.

FICO scores range from 300 to 850, with higher scores indicating better credit. A FICO score of 670 to 739 is generally considered good credit, while a score of 740 to 850 is considered excellent credit. Lenders use FICO scores to help them decide whether to approve your loan application and what interest rate to charge you. A higher FICO score can help you qualify for lower interest rates and better loan terms.

FICO scores are based on five main factors that reflect your credit behavior:

  • Payment History (35%): This is the most significant factor in assessing whether you have made on-time payments on your credit accounts, such as loans and credit cards.
  • Credit Utilization/Amounts Owed (30%): This factor examines the amount of credit you are currently using compared to your total available credit limits. Lower utilization rates are generally better for your score.
  • Length of Credit History (15%): Longer credit histories tend to have a positive impact on your score.
  • Credit Mix (10%): Having a diverse mix of credit types, such as credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages, can positively impact your score.
  • New Credit (10%): Opening multiple new credit accounts in a short period can negatively affect your score.

Each factor has a different impact on your FICO score depending on your overall credit profile. For example, if you have a long and positive credit history, a few late payments may not hurt your score as much as if you have a short and negative credit history. You can check your FICO score for free once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus. You can also get your FICO score from many lenders and credit card companies.

Here are some tips for improving your FICO score:

  • Pay your bills on time and in full every month.
  • Keep your credit utilization low. This means using less than 30% of your available credit.
  • Keep your credit history long. Avoid opening too many new credit accounts in a short period of time.
  • Have a mix of different types of credit.
  • Check your credit reports regularly for errors and dispute them if you find any.

A FICO score is a key indicator of your financial health and reputation. By understanding what it is and how it works, you can take charge of your credit and achieve your financial goals. Improving your FICO score can take time, but it is worth it in the long run. A good FICO score can help you qualify for lower interest rates on loans and credit cards, save money on insurance premiums, and get approved for apartments and housing. Maintaining a good credit score can open doors to better financial opportunities, while a poor score can limit access to credit and lead to less favorable terms and higher borrowing costs. Therefore, understanding and managing your credit responsibly is essential for your financial well-being.

ERCOT Expresses Gratitude as Texas Residents’ Conservation Efforts Navigate Record-Breaking Peak Times

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ERCOT Expresses Gratitude as Texas Residents’ Conservation Efforts Navigate Record-Breaking Peak Times

The recent conservation appeal in Texas concluded after residents willingly held back power consumption for two consecutive days during early morning hours, contributing to grid reliability during record-breaking peak times. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) expressed gratitude towards the efforts of Texas residents and businesses, acknowledging their collaboration in managing energy demands.

In a statement, ERCOT conveyed, “Thank you to Texas residents and businesses. Your conservation efforts, along with additional grid reliability tools, helped us get through record-breaking peak times (Tuesday) and (Monday) morning.” Despite the conservation appeal officially ending at 9 a.m., ERCOT emphasized the continuation of an ERCOT Weather Watch through Wednesday, serving as an advance notification of anticipated significant weather with high energy demand.

During an interview with ABC13’s Nick Natario on Monday, ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas acknowledged the elevated risk associated with extreme weather events, highlighting the severity of one of the coldest winter weather events in Texas. Vegas affirmed ERCOT’s commitment to doing everything possible to maintain power supply amidst challenging conditions.

While the conservation appeal ceased at 9 a.m., ERCOT urged residents to sustain electricity conservation efforts between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Tuesday due to ongoing freezing weather in the Houston area. ERCOT’s online tracker indicated yellow grid conditions early Tuesday morning, signifying some strain on the grid. However, by the appeal’s expiration at 9 a.m., conditions had returned to the green, indicating normal grid operations.

Vegas disclosed ongoing collaborative efforts with transmission utility companies over the past few years to implement controlled outages, ensuring that electricity interruptions are minimized during adverse conditions. Residents were encouraged to monitor grid conditions on the ERCOT website for real-time updates.

Addressing potential outages, ERCOT clarified that any disruptions were local in nature and unrelated to grid reliability. As Texas navigates through challenging winter weather, the collaborative efforts of residents and ERCOT’s strategic measures continue to play a crucial role in sustaining power reliability.

Houston Texans Face Tough Challenge Against Top-Seeded Baltimore Ravens in AFC Divisional Round

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Houston Texans Face Tough Challenge Against Top-Seeded Baltimore Ravens in AFC Divisional Round

The Houston Texans secured a dominant victory over the Cleveland Browns in their postseason opener, setting the stage for a more challenging matchup in the AFC divisional round against the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans, seeded fourth, were initially slated to face the Kansas City Chiefs had the Pittsburgh Steelers won on Monday. However, the Buffalo Bills’ triumph over the Steelers altered the Texans’ course, leading them to a showdown with the top-seeded Ravens.

The Ravens, boasting the NFL’s best regular-season record at 13-4 and a formidable scoring defense of 16.5 points per game, present a significant hurdle for the Texans. Houston aims to reach the conference championship round for the first time in franchise history.

Key information for fans ahead of the playoff clash:

NFL Playoff Bracket: AFC

  • 4) Houston Texans at 1) Baltimore Ravens
    1. Kansas City Chiefs at 2) Buffalo Bills

Kickoff Time and TV Info:

  • The Texans-Ravens game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CT on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
  • ABC and ESPN will broadcast the game, with live streaming available on ESPN+.

Previous Meeting: In Week 1, the Texans faced the Ravens, keeping it close in the first half but ultimately falling short with a 25-9 loss. Despite limiting MVP favorite Lamar Jackson to 207 total yards and securing an interception, the Texans struggled as Baltimore rushed for three touchdowns, while Houston’s offensive production was limited to three field goals.

By the Numbers: Houston Texans

  • Scoring offense: No. 13
  • Total offense: No. 12
  • Scoring defense: No. 11
  • Total defense: No. 14
  • Turnover differential: No. 5 (tied)

Baltimore Ravens

  • Scoring offense: No. 4
  • Total offense: No. 6
  • Scoring defense: No. 1
  • Total defense: No. 6
  • Turnover differential: No. 1 (tied)

The Texans face a formidable test against the Ravens, and fans eagerly anticipate an intense battle as Houston strives to make franchise history in the pursuit of the conference championship.

Man accused of killing missing mom who was witness in murder case, Texas cops say

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Man accused of killing missing mom who was witness in murder case, Texas cops say
from Instagram.

A man is accused of killing a 22-year-old Texas mother, and witness in a murder case, who went missing near her place of work in Houston, according to investigators.

Friends and family called Deundrea Ford reliable, police said in Harris County court documents filed Jan. 11. When she disappeared without a word, it quickly became clear that something was wrong — she would never be apart from her 4-year-old son for long, family told police.

Ford was a witness in a murder case in which a man riding in a vehicle with her was fatally shot in May, KHOU reported.

According to court documents in that case, a text message between two suspects implied Ford’s life was in danger, saying “She ain’t safe in Houston … at all,” KTRK reported.

Ford was working at Divas Bikini Sports Bar and Grill at about 1 a.m., Sept. 22, when she encountered the man police say would soon kill her, investigators said. Cameras captured her talking to Yoland Washington, a 51-year-old New Jersey man, before getting into a white van parked outside, police said, adding that it was the last time she was seen.

Her boyfriend was going to pick her up, but at 1:34 a.m. she texted him to say she had found a “date,” according to investigators. He texted her back but the message was left unread, and he went to the club at 2:23 a.m. to look for her.

One minute before the boyfriend arrives, police say Washington can be seen pulling out of the parking lot and driving away.

Investigators spoke with Washington several days later, according to police. He said the reason she was never seen getting out of his van is because he dropped her off at another location.

Ford’s body still hasn’t been found, but during a search of Washington’s van police used a chemical that reacts with blood, which “illuminated” spots all over the the interior, spanning from the back back doors to the driver seat. Using a DNA sample from Ford’s son, investigators say they found “DNA consistent with (Ford) … mixed with (Washington’s) DNA on 3 of the blood stains” on a shirt he wore the night of Ford’s disappearance.

Investigators say Washington has “an extensive history of violent offenses against women.”

Washington’s “account is also suspicious, and some of it is clearly a lie,” police said, adding that video surveillance and Google location data contradict parts of Washington’s story.

Washington is charged with murder.

Police did not say whether they believe Ford’s killing is related to her being a witness in a separate murder investigation.

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