All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life

Goals, Tools, and Mindset Shifts for a Better 2026 with Kevin Rose

All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life

Show Notes

#261: Chris and Kevin reflect on 2025’s biggest wins and lessons, then dive into how they're planning 2026. They share their goals, the tools they're using, and why they're designing a year that’s easier, not just more optimized.

Kevin Rose is the host of Diggnation and a partner at True Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm that has invested over $4 billion in a portfolio of over 400+ founders. Kevin previously founded Zero and Oak, and was a partner at Google Ventures.

Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/reflecting-and-planning-2026

Partner Deals

Wispr Flow: Try effortless voice dictation for free

LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix

Copilot Money: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2

Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family

Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth

For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals

Resources Mentioned

Kevin Rose: Diggnation | Newsletter

Books

The Wealth Ladder by Nick Maggiulli

Rework by Jason Fried

Fizzy

Jesse Itzler: Plan An Incredible 2026 In 12 Minutes

Podcasts

The Daily Churn

New Modern Mom: Do you need a house manager?

Duolingo

Games Magazine Subscription

Bram Cohen Puzzles

The Big A## Calendar

ATH Podcast

Newsletter

Chris’ Card Optimizer Tool

Ep #99: 7 Questions to Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet

Ep #213: The 5 Types of Wealth with Sahil Bloom

Ep #259: Choosing the Problems Worth Struggling For with Mark Manson

Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected]

Full Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(00:45) Kevin's 2025 Goals & How They Came to Fruition

(04:34) Chris's Challenging End to 2025

(06:53) How Chris is Approaching Optimization in 2026

(09:33) Stepping Up Your Ability to Spend Money

(15:55) What Chris and Kevin Changed Their Minds About in 2025

(20:11) The Many Different Uses of AI

(29:16) Chris's Energy Generators and Drainers

(33:40) Kevin's Energy Generators and Drainers

(36:56) Decluttering for A Peace of Mind

(41:09) How To Identify The Boat Anchors in Your Life

(49:18) Chris's Hits and Misses in 2025

(52:10) Kevin's Hits and Misses for 2025

(54:19) How Kevin Plans His Year Ahead

(57:53) Outsourcing to Make Things Easier

(01:05:12) Focus on Making Lasting Memories

(01:06:34) Ways to Pick Up New Skills

(01:09:36) The Life Blender Concept

Connect with Chris

Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn

Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More from All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life

Oct 21, 2026

#299: My top 10 takeaways from a retreat for high-net-worth investors, which covered money, health, AI, parenting, relationships, and more. We explore why what you measure shapes your behavior, how to start using AI agents, why simple rules beat perfect plans, how to teach kids about money, and why “later” may be the most expensive word in your vocabulary.

Oct 14, 2026

#298: Chris breaks down how to earn airline miles and transferable points on money you’re already saving or investing (and whether the rewards are actually worth the tradeoffs). He compares mileage-earning bank accounts from Bask, United and Alaska, the new Bank of America and Alaska transfer partnership, Silo’s brokerage rewards program, and Symphony’s higher-yield approach. Plus, the welcome offers ending this fall that change the first-year math, and a short interview with Symphony's founders.

Oct 7, 2026

#297: Learn how to turn small talk, awkward encounters, and everyday logistics into conversations that actually matter. Chris and Vanessa explore the chemistry behind great conversations, how to find the topics that make people light up, and the three levels of conversation that lead to deeper connection.

Sep 23, 2026

#296: You're probably overpaying for cell service, and switching could save you hundreds of dollars a year without sacrificing coverage or features. Chris breaks down what's changed with the big carriers and MVNOs, the math behind "free phone" deals, the few features only AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile still offer, and his shortlist of the best unlimited plans. He also shares the cheapest backup line for two-factor texts, a $20 home internet backup, how to think about cell phone insurance, and the smartest way to buy a new iPhone.

Sep 16, 2026

#295: Chris shares the strategies he actually uses to earn, spend, and maximize millions of points and miles. He breaks down how many credit cards most people really need, his approach to booking award travel for a family, the rise of massive card-member flight discounts, when to pay cash vs. points, and some of his favorite—and most unusual—redemptions.

See all episodes →