And Why the “Free” Flights and Cash Back Might Be Costing Your Family More Than You Think
It starts innocently enough.
You’re standing at the checkout counter. You just bought groceries for the week and the cashier says, “Did you know you could earn 5% cash back on this if you use our rewards card?” You pause. Free money sounds good. And with a growing family, every dollar counts.
So you sign up.
Months go by and you’re racking up points, miles, and cash-back offers. It feels like you’re winning at the system. Until one day, you log into your credit card account and see a balance much higher than you expected. Minimum payments have crept up. Interest charges have quietly multiplied. And that “free” trip to Disney? Turns out it’s going to cost you more than just a few airline points.
The Promise: Free Money, Right?
Credit card rewards programs know exactly what they’re doing. They offer an easy, appealing storyline:
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Spend what you’re already spending
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Earn points or cash back
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Use those points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits
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Live your best life—for free
Sounds amazing. But it’s not the whole story.
The problem is, these programs are designed for the credit card companies to win. Not you.
The Catch: You’re Playing Their Game
Here’s what the rewards programs don’t tell you:
1. The Average Family Doesn’t Pay Off the Full Balance Every Month
And that’s the credit card company’s golden ticket.
According to the Federal Reserve, nearly half of Americans carry a balance on their credit cards. Once that happens, interest kicks in—often 20% or more annually. No cash-back program can beat that.
Let’s say you spend $1,000 and get 1.5% cash back. That’s $15 in rewards. But if you carry that balance for just one month at 20% APR, your interest is around $17. You’ve already lost money.
Do that every month? You’re digging a hole while feeling like you’re collecting gold.
2. Rewards Programs Change the Way You Spend
You might think you’re immune, but research says otherwise.
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people spend up to 12–18% more when using a credit card instead of cash. Why? Because you don’t “feel” the transaction in the same way. The pain of parting with money is delayed—sometimes for weeks.
Now add in the rewards.
Suddenly, you’re justifying purchases you didn’t need because “I get points for this.” You might even switch brands or stores just to chase points. And just like that, the card is controlling your behavior—not the other way around.
3. Rewards Expire, Devalue, or Go Unused
Airline miles. Hotel points. Cash-back credits.
They all sound like assets, but many of them come with strings attached. Points expire if you don’t use them in time. Redemption rates fluctuate. Some programs require you to hit minimum thresholds to redeem. And don’t even get us started on blackout dates.
In fact, a Bankrate study found that 31% of credit card users have let rewards expire—often without realizing it.
The Hidden Cost: Your Family’s Financial Future
When you’re chasing rewards, you’re not always making the best decisions for your long-term goals. You’re not saving. You’re not investing. You’re not building security for your kids.
You’re just playing a game someone else designed—and one that they always win.
Here’s the truth: credit card rewards programs aren’t really built to reward you. They’re built to distract you.
Distract you from the high interest rates.
Distract you from growing balances.
Distract you from the real cost of convenience.
The Better Way: Use Credit on Your Terms
Let’s be clear—we’re not saying never use a credit card. But if you do, do it with eyes wide open:
✅ Always Pay the Full Balance
If you must use a rewards card, treat it like a debit card. Only spend what you already have in the bank. Set up auto-pay to avoid carrying a balance.
✅ Don’t Chase Points
Let rewards be an accidental bonus, not the reason you swipe. If you’re shopping more just to “get rewards,” you’re losing ground.
✅ Keep Your Eyes on the Real Prize
Free flights are fun. But a funded emergency account is better. So is investing in your child’s future. So is being debt-free.
Every time you spend, you’re making a choice between what feels good now and what truly matters later.
Be the Hero of Your Financial Story
At Mostt, we believe parents are the real heroes. And every hero needs clarity.
You don’t need a new credit card strategy. You need a financial plan that builds long-term wealth, not short-term rewards.
Want to give your kids more options, more freedom, and more security?
Start with saving and investing consistently—even if it’s just $25 a month.
You don’t need points.
You need a plan.
And we’re here to help.
Start building a future your family can count on.
Learn how Mostt can help you save and invest for your children—without the gimmicks.