Tag Archives: Free Stuff

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Listen to Travel with Grant on Today’s NowBoarding Podcast! [Plus Feedback from my Parents]

Updated at 7:30pm PT on 12/4: I updated the post, provided links to some of the topics I mentioned in the podcast, and added feedback from my parents after they listened to the podcast…


Good evening everyone.  A few days ago, I wrote My Latest Obsession: Listening to BoardingArea Bloggers on NowBoarding Podcast.  After that post went live, I reached out to Ed from Pizza in Motion and we made plans for my NowBoarding podcast.  Fast forward to today and my podcast is now live and you can listen to it here.  The recording is 26 minutes long.  Here are some of the topics I mentioned on the podcast:

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I Just Froze My 3 Credit Reports: Here’s Why & What I Learned

Good morning everyone.  Yesterday, I read this article from Krebs on Security regarding the recent Starwood / Marriott data breach.  In the article, there was a very powerful section that talked about 2 realities that all Americans need to come to grips with in regards to privacy, data security, and our powerlessness when it comes to securing our data.  Here are the 2 realities from the article:

Reality #1: Bad guys already have access to personal data points that you may believe should be secret but which nevertheless aren’t, including your credit card information, Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, date of birth, address, previous addresses, phone number, and yes — even your credit file.

Reality #2: Any data point you share with a company will in all likelihood eventually be hacked, lost, leaked, stolen or sold — usually through no fault of your own. And if you’re an American, it means (at least for the time being) your recourse to do anything about that when it does happen is limited or nil.

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Could We Replicate the Netflix / “Friends” Revolt with the AMEX Business Platinum Changes?

Updated at 10:50am PT on 12/5: According to the New York Times, Netflix paid $100 million to keep “Friends” for 1 more year.  That is the power that “Friends” fans have over Netflix.


Good morning everyone.  I am not sure if you heard the 2 big stories that broke Monday morning: Netflix was planning on removing the TV show “Friends” from their service beginning January 1 and American Express announced BIG changes to the American Express Business Platinum Charge Card.  Not surprising, Netflix users freaked out and started complaining on Facebook and Twitter.  Here are a few complaints from this USA Today article.  After a few hours, Netflix reversed course and granted users’ wishes: “Friends” would be on Netflix through 2019.  That’s one win for the little guys!  But what about the second big story from Monday?

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$5 Starbucks Gift Card from ParkMobile & MasterCard

Updated 5:20pm PT on 12/9: I received the $5 Starbucks email from ParkMobile on December 7, which was 7-8 days after completing the promo requirements.


Updated 7pm PT on 12/4: I just received an email from ParkMobile stating that I completed the ParkMobile / MasterCard promo and that I will receive an email in 3 business days with a $5 Starbucks gift card.  Scroll down to see the email.


Good afternoon everyone.  ParkMobile is an app (iOS or Google) to pay for parking and it is very popular in the San Francisco Bay Area.  A few days ago, I received an email from ParkMobile with details of a promotion they are running with MasterCard.  If you add a new MasterCard credit card to your ParkMobile account, you will get a $5 Starbucks gift card (I’m not sure if it is a physical gift card or an eGC) after you pay for a parking session.  The details of the promo do not specify the minimum parking price to qualifying for the $5 Starbucks gift card.

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Giveaway: 8 Custom Travel with Grant 8GB USB Drives [Winners Selected]

Updated at 11:30am PT on 12/2: The winners have been selected.  Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway.  If you are a winner, please check your email for an email from me requesting your mailing address.  I want to send these out as soon as possible.  Thank you!

Kalboz It might sound like a cliche, but spending time with friends and family breaking bread together was fantastic. Also, unplugging during that time made the our moments more relaxing!
Eric Horton I was delighted that my sister-in-law had invited several people who did not have families of their own to our family Thanksgiving! It was great to meet new people and enjoy the spirit of the day together.
Coleman Having my children home college, dental school and graduate school and knowing that my tuition days are nearing an end!
Jim F. Our 6-year-old granddaughter surprised us at Thanksgiving dinner when she said she wanted to offer the prayer before the meal. I wish I could upload the video. Like the commercial says, “priceless.” Suffice it to say there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
David T We had 24 family members to our house for Thanksgiving and it was fun!
Christian Not being called “English” by my wife’s Pennsylvania family.
Bill Pisor Family time together & playing games with the grandkids!
Chris Getting to hang with my sister who I only see once or twice a year
Rick Cooking for friends
Angela Eating turkey! Don’t get to eat as much turkey the rest of the year

Good afternoon everyone.  A few months ago, I did a Travel with Grant USB drives giveaway.  I still have 8 USB drives available, so I am doing another round of giveaways.  I received these USB drives for free from a company called USB Memory Direct. USB Memory Direct specializes in custom printed USB drives and they recommended the tube style that is water-resistant and super durable.  Each USB drive has 8GB of storage and is perfect for backing up photos, videos, or other files.  Continue reading for instructions on how to enter the giveaway…

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