Monthly Archives: May 2025

Hawaii increases hotel tax to help cope with climate change

The state of Hawaii has increased its tax on accommodations, including for hotels and other short-term rentals, intending to use the revenue generated to address climate change. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Hawaii will increase the state’s Transient Accommodation Tax from 10.25% to 11%, according to the governor’s office. Each county may also impose an extra […]

Rakuten deal alert: Earn 15% cash back at major retailers when shopping online

Whether you’re booking last-minute summer travels or getting a jump on early Memorial Day sales, there’s a big online shopping event this week to maximize your spending at travel sites like Sixt Rent a Car and retailers like Ulta and PetSmart. Plus, there are many discounts, deals and promotions to stack up the savings. Rakuten, […]

Is the Sapphire Preferred now the premium Chase card to get?

Two of Chase’s most popular credit cards — the mid-tier Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) and its premium sibling, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) — are well-loved at TPG due to several factors including the former’s reasonable $95 annual fee, bonus-earning rates on travel and dining and valuable travel […]