The meaning of spectator sport style as in ‘spectator pumps’ was a complete mystery to me in my youth. So I decided to do some indepth research recently to find out. As it turned out, the spectator pump was part of the spectator sport style that appeared in the fashion world starting in the 1920s. In fact, the trend has survived over the last century to a greater or lesser degree.
Curiosity Plants the Seed
As a result of long term curiosity, I decided to explore where this name came from and why fashions were branded ‘spectator’. Basically, all I knew from my youth in the mid 1950’s was the name ‘spectator pumps’. As a matter of fact, my mother had a pair of them. Because they were so popular most women did. Thus, I wanted to know where this popular but strange name came from.
Women’s Spectator Style Pumps from Etsy.com
DEFINITION FOUND
It turns out that the definition of spectator sport style that even exists in fashion today, can be summarized by the name of a particular fashion icon, Ralph Lauren. Granted, he was not the inventor of the style. None the less, he immortalized this classy fashion statement.
Iconic Brand
As a result. this fashion style has great popularity still. In addition, it has brought great fortune for the Ralph Lauren brand. To summarize this definition are simply these words ‘a fashion style for spectating sports’. And it comes in many clothing items and accessories.
HISTORY
The history of this style includes specific and classic for both men and women. Therefore, this next section from Spectator Sport Style addresses those qualities with description and appropriate photos (as much as possible).
SPECTATOR STYLE FASHIONS: Then
Part One: Men’s Winter Spectator Fashions
Racoon coat circa 1920’s spectator sport fashions from Wiki
“Attending sporting events was a popular leisure time practice that was popularized in the 1920s. Fashion-conscious spectators dressed in attire appropriate for a variety of sports events. The weather often dictated the fashion.
For instance, male and female college students who attended autumn and early winter football games wore bulky raccoon fur coats or heavy tan-colored camel hair and woolen polo coats belted at the waist or with a partial belt at the back.”
Part One: Women’s Winter spectator sport style
tailored woolen tweed suits with knee-length skirts
“Women’s sportswear was becoming more masculine. By the late 1920s college-aged women wore tailored woolen tweed suits with knee-length skirts and loose-fitting slacks to collegiate sports events.”
(I was unable to find an exact replica of the sort of outfit described above. But the Hermes tailored woolen tweed suit pictured above bears a close resemblance to it. Granted the shoes may be from a later date.)
Part Two: Warm Weather Events Spectator Fashions
“Warm weather events such as horse races often were held in stylish surroundings such as resorts. Wealthy male spectators wore navy blue woolen blazers with gold buttons.”
Men’s Navy Blue Blazer with Gold Buttons and Handmade Men Black and White Shoes, Men Spectator Dress Shoes, Brogue Shoes
“In the late 1920s men and women began wearing black-and-white spectator sports style shoes. They were white wing-tipped leather shoes trimmed with black leather or patent leather at the toes and heels.”
Women’s Spectator Ferragamo shoe and matching Diophy handbag
“Women wore spectator pumps with matching spectator handbags, white leather rectangular pocketbooks with a clasp at the top and black leather or patent leather trim at the four corners.” (I was unable to find the exact vintage handbag. Instead I included this current, very handsome Diophy bag).
Part Three: Aviator Jackets Became Spectator Rage
“In 1927 Charles Lindbergh (1902-1974) became the first aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. He became an instant popular cultural hero to millions of Americans. By 1928 fans of Lindbergh bought mass-produced reproductions of his leather aviator jacket to wear at sports events”.
CHARLES LINDBERGH AVIREX A-2 Bombers Cockpit Flight Leather Jacket. Very RARE
Part Four: Golf Participant and Spectator Outfits
“Golf matches also were fashionable places to see and be seen. Men watching the golf games wore clothes that mimicked the players’ outfits: three-piece sports suits that featured knickers (loose-fitting pants that ended just below the knees, usually fitted at the bottom by a button), a vest, and a jacket.”
Vintage golf outfits from a variety on manufacturers available on Amazon.com
“These often were made of light-woven woolens or tweeds. Knickers were worn with colorful argyle (diamond-shaped pattern) knee socks. Many of the accessories to golf attire, such as ties, caps, and socks, often were fashioned from Scottish clan plaids, because the game of golf was developed in Scotland.”
Part Five: Tennis Participants and Spectator Outfits For Men From Vintage Fashions comes this example of the men’s tennis outfit. It is similar to the spectator’s attire.“For tennis matches spectators wore variations of tennis players’ garb.
“The major difference was that tennis players wore white only. Men often wore soft, loose-fitting white woolen flannel trousers with a navy blazer.
Part Five: Tennis Participants and Spectator Outfits For Women
“Women wore knee-length pleated summer dresses in white or pastels, or loose trousers with pleats in the front.
During the late 1920s many women chose to wear berets, or soft, wide rounded woolen caps with narrow headbands, with their spectator style clothing”
1920s tennis clothes on vintagedancer.com
SPECTATOR STYLE FASHIONS: Even Now
HATS: The Ultimate Spectator Sport Accessory The Kentucky Derby is home to one of the most spectacular spectator sport events today. It even has a signature spectator sport fashion, the Derby hat. It would seem that almost as many people enjoy the hats as do the horses.
A sampling from the collection of colorful, original scarves and shawls from Hermes.com creates this wonderful, colorful border above
Chanel evening bag sold on Rebag
WHAT I LOVE
I love all kinds of colorful accessories. They range from head to toe. For example, these include items from hats to handbags. Then handbags to scarves and shawls. Even scarves and shawls to shoes. As well as shoes to costume jewelry. Whatever the item is, there is one thing that they all have in common.
Stepping out in Stride
Kurt Geiger makes an outrageous colorful statement in the shoe department. No need to take my word for this. Instead check what’s next in colorful accessories.
Kurt Geiger shoes for casual and dressup occasions.
Going Out in Style
Emphatically, the one thing all these items share is their flair. The Kensington collection from Kurt Geiger of London is a statement to their pallette.
The Kurt Geiger Kensington Collection of very Colorful purses
OVER THE RAINBOW
Colorful accessories come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges. These Balenciaga bags are definitely at the over the rainbow end of prices. But appeal is not always based on cost. In fact, I have also found some very affordable brands that are equally as attractive. Dasein and Diophy are two such companies. You can learn more about them in a little while.
This Balenciaga Logo Ville Bag Printed Leather XXS available on ReBag is a perfect example of a fantastic colorful accessory.
IMAGINE: Everyday Affordable and Still Colorful
Here are two colorful bags that I have now. One is a Dasein handbag in turquoise. The other is in orange. They are available is numerous other solid colors in addition to a leopard print. Just imagine if this style came in the colors of the Balenciaga bag above. It is my dream idea for Dasein to create a bag in the Rainbow pattern colors. In fact, I plan to ask them to make this design.
Above are the Turquoise and Orange Faux Patent Handbags available from Amazon.com and Daseinbags.com
Last but not least is a brand called Diophy. In fact, they carry some amazing colorful patterns at very reasonable prices. Here is an example of both the affordable and the irresistible.
NEWLY DISCOVERED HANDBAG TREASURES MAKE MY SEARCH EXTRA FUN
I keep a close watch on what is new as well as what is newly available in the world of handbag treasures. Let’s say this is sort of the-bag-of-the-month club. Sometimes there are bags I have never seen before. Then I jump for joy.
Other times, there are bags I love so much, they bear repeating. There are even handbag treasures that are so affordably special that I have been able to purchase them. Dasein fits right into that category. This brand is featured at the conclusion of this post.
HANDBAG TREASURE BRANDS
There are several brands that I adore. Besides this, I have special ways that I keep track of my passion for my favorite brands. To start, let me introduce the brands:
Definitive American food history narratives are presented in the book by Jessica B. Harris as well as in the video series by Stephen Satterfield based on the book.
JESSICA B. HARRIS American culinary historian, professor, cookbook author and journalist
Queens-Born Jessica B. Harris Receives James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award
STEPHEN SATTERFIELD African-American food writer, producer, and media entrepreneur.
Stephen Satterfield is Changing the Way We Tell Stories About Food
THE VIDEO: High on the Hog
Video of American Food History, High on the Hog
FOOD HISTORY FAVORITES
Actually, I have several favorite anecdotes from the ‘High on the Hog’ story. The yam versus sweet potatoes story is one of them. In fact, yams and sweet potatoes are not the same.
Yams are not the same as sweet potato but confusion about them existsSweet potatoes are often confused with yams but they are not the same
In fact, yams do not even grow in this country. They grow in Africa. On the other hand, the US is home to sweet potatoes. So if you see something in the US named yams, it is not from the US.
The food history narrative reflects the music narrative in Rumble, the history of 20th Century American Music. Both bring fascinating insight into the cultures of American music and food history.
TRACING MORE AMERICAN CULTURAL HISTORY
Tracing the slave trade to America reflects additional cultural history. It is actually the transformation of African American food to American food.
This adds to the rich musical history of America. It is detailed in the blog post, RUMBLE in a previous post.
Video of American Music History, Rumble
Please watch both of these videos to get an educational and entertaining understanding of these cultural histories. I highly recommend them.
Rock ‘n Roll Roots Rhythm Are Now Known to Pre Date African American Music
The Rock’ n Roll roots rhythm is based in the Native American musical progression known as RUMBLE. Actually, African American music is part of the evolution of rock ‘n roll. But it is not the sole or earliest contribution to this music as previously believed or documented.
The Three note progression of Rock’n Roll’s Native American DNA
RUMBLE
Less than a decade ago, numerous prestigious documentary sources made public these newly revealed findings. In fact, these sources are documented by public media programs. All of them were published around 2015.
Origins of rock’n roll From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Contrary to the above published documentaries, the following quote of rock ‘n rolls history lacks the inclusion of any reference to Native American musical influence on this topic.
ROCK ‘N ROLL: The Popularized Version
“History of rock and roll” redirects here. For the radio program, see The History of Rock and Roll. For the TV program, see The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
“The origins of rock and roll are complex. Rock and roll emerged as a defined musical style in the United States in the early to mid-1950s. It derived most directly from the rhythm and blues music of the 1940s, which itself developed from earlier blues, the beat-heavy jump blues, boogie woogie, up-tempo jazz, and swing music. It was also influenced by gospel, country and western, and traditional folk music.[1] Rock and roll in turn provided the main basis for the music that, since the mid-1960s, has been generally known simply as rock music.
“The phrase “rocking and rolling” originally described the movement of a ship on the ocean, but it was used by the early 20th century, both to describe a spiritual fervor and as a sexual analogy. Various gospel, blues and swing recordings used the phrase before it became used more frequently – but still intermittently – in the late 1930s and 1940s, principally on recordings and in reviews of what became known as “rhythm and blues” music aimed at black audiences. In 1939 during the April 5th broadcast on “The Fred Allen- Town Hall Tonight- Show” the song “Rock and Roll” appeared as a barber shop quartet lead-in. In May 1942, long before the concept of rock and roll had been defined, a Billboard record review described Sister Rosetta Tharpe vocals on the upbeat blues song “Rock Me”, by Lucky Millinder, as “rock-and-roll spiritual singing”.
“In 1951, Cleveland-based disc jockey Alan Freed began playing this music style while popularizing the term “rock and roll” on mainstream radio.[2] Freed was the first radio disc jockey and concert producer who frequently played and promoted rock and roll.[3] Various recordings that date back to the 1940s have been named as the first rock and roll record, or at least as precursors of the music.[4]“
The above quote and the additional musical history that follow are extensive. Actually, I found many familiar names from the African-American genre of American blues and rock ‘n rolls origins. But nowhere in this narrative is credit given to their now known Native American ancestry or birth of this music. For example, there is no mention of Charley Patton, Link Wray, Dockery Farm.
Charley Patton’s short bio on Wikipedia
Blues DNA
Native Americans Enter the Picture Separate mention of musicians like Charley Patton do appear in his ancestry as, at least partly Native American. But, his musical participation does not go back further than blues history.
In addition to that, he is not credited with music style that led to rock ‘n roll. In direct contrast, all of the videos at the beginning of this blog post do indeed set the record straight. Fortunately, their impact is revealing in addition to paramount.
Dockery Farms
Rarely was it beneficial for Indians to publicize their Native American Ancestry. In fact, there was a horrific prejudice against this. Believe it or not, a person of color was safer passing for black rather than admitting to having Indian ancestry. Actually, the latter would result in an admitted Indian being sent to a reservation.
Fortunately, there was one rare exception to this known as Dockery Farms. This was an agricultural and musical haven for various indigenous people and people of ethnic origins.
Dockery Farms
Wikipedia’s History of Rock’n Roll Footnotes
[1] “The roots of rock music”. Rockmusictimeline.com. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
[2] “Alan Freed”. Britannica. March 4, 2018. Retrieved February 3, 2021. Alan Freed did not coin the phrase he popularized it and redefined it. Once slang for sex, it came to mean a new form of music. This music had been around for several years, but…
[3] Bordowitz, Hank (2004). Turning Points in Rock and Roll. New York, New York: Citadel Press. p. 63. ISBN 978-0-8065-2631-7.
[4] “When was rock’n’roll really born?”. The Guardian. April 16, 2004. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
Future writing in my blog posts will shed light on African American Food History. Based upon the fascinating series High on the Hog. Stay close to this blog for the upcoming post, soon.
My pocketbook passion started about 30 years ago. Each year, I would buy myself a beautiful, popular, designer purse. To start my collection, I purchased numerous Dooney & Bourke bags, Coach bags, and then some Kate Spade bags.Vintage Dooney & Bourke Teton Style Multi Color bag from vintagedooney.com
My Passion and My Search
I began my journey searching for and purchasing the most attractive Dooney & Bourke ‘All Weather Leather’ bags.
Since the Internet was not yet a means of advertising and purchasing, items were available from beautifully designed mail order catalogs.
In fact, this is where my passion for pocketbooks began. The handbag at the left is very similar to one of my first purchases.
FAST FORWARD: Outlet Malls and The Internet A photo of a Tanger Outlet Mall with plenty of parking and discount upscale stores.
Over the years, the technology for shopping has become more sophisticated, appealing and convenient. If I want to make a purchase without leaving home, the Internet has become the place to go. If I want a feast including entertainment and purchasing delights, destinations like the Tanger Outlets are the ideal place to go
INTRODUCING: 21st Century Shopping – POSHMARK
There is no end to what I have been able to find online, at upscale mall shops and at mall outlet stores. But isn’t that the whole idea of retail shopping today? The possibilities are endless.
Here’s a video about the fascinating story of the immensely successful online social marketplace community known as Poshmark.
One brand, in particular has become my favorite vintage pocketbook passion, Italian made ARCADIA. This brand is one I recently discovered from the gangbuster technology for feeding my passion, online search and research. In fact, my favorite place to ‘window shop’ and purchase is on Poshmark. It is the hottest spot of them all. I visit almost daily.
Four of my favorite vintage Arcadia handbags found on Poshmark.com
The Evolution of How to Go Shopping
There is an evolutionary path to this search for collecting both new and vintage handbags. Collecting new handbags started with mail order catalogs and stayed there for many years. Then as technology was embraced, it evolved into the Internet.
Out of curiosity, I have even visited one of the Tanger Outlet Malls I had heard so much about. Of course I made a purchase. The mall was an appealing, well designed shopping village. In addition, it had a movie theatre so no parking space was wasted when shopping hours waned.
Three Primary Venues
At present, three venues have become my primary sources of feeding my pocketbook passion. They are online discount sources, like Poshmark, online company websites, and thrift stores.
Thrift stores are a great resource and a way that many non-profits raise money
Plant based fried chicken in The Happy Pig’s Clucket Bucket(TM) >and all its other portion packages is absolutely delicious.
In fact, it is as good as any fried chicken I have ever tasted, animal or plant based. Actually, it’s even better. So be sure to find out all the ways you can purchase it.
A Review Plus
The spicing is perfect. In addition, one would never know by the taste that this is a plant based rather than a chicken based product.
But, this is not only a Happy Pig’s plant based fried chicken review. But it is also an acknowledgement of a fantastic plant-based product that I am delighted to eat as well as write about.
HOW I FOUND THE HAPPY PIG’S CLUCKET BUCKET(TM)A Farmers Market Find
My social life began again last weekend after a long, barren winter. The past season was devoid of social activity due to to continued concerns about COVID. As a result, the spring and the Farmers Market season have come as an especially welcome time. To add to that, the find of a new product, The Happy Pig’s Plant Based Fried Chicken makes it extra special.
Sample pack and sandwich of plant based fried chicken. What a delicious meal!
SAMPLING THIS PRODUCT
The sample packet I received is not the usual selling portion. In fact it was a complementary sample. Actually, the plant based fried chicken and other products have been part of the circuit of growing Nassau County based food trucks.
The Happy Pig Food Truck
On Social Media, But Nowhere To Be Found
So when I went to the same farmers market this past weekend, plant based fried chicken was nowhere to be found. I was challenged by another mystery and another ‘amateur detective’ project.
It had to start somewhere. So, their website was the obvious place to start my search. But I found no Farmers Market schedule on it. Instead are these social media links:
Facebook
Instagram
Yelp Review
Now Where?
A good detective does not give up. Since I earned my Ace-Detective badge from my favorite call-in music radio show, I have an obligation to solve the mystery of where, when, and how to get more of this amazing plant-based-fried-chicken.
Plant based fried chicken cutlets from ‘The Happy Pig’
There is a saying, ‘when all else fails, read the directions’. In this case, all the social media sources and resources did not yield a solution, except one. This one was a phone number on the website. Since my writing started very early in the morning, I did not call it. But when a reasonable time came, I did call. Alas, Wendy Ann Lantigua, the owner of the company answered.
During our delightful conversation, I learned the following:
• Wendy was about to update the website providing additional information.
• She attends the Malverne, LI Farmers Market whenever possible.
• Delivery will be available. There is a $5. charge.
• The food truck has been sold.
Most importantly, I certainly would have enough options to get more of this amazing plant-based fried chicken. Just to be certain, I added this healthy, delicious resource to my own healthy food source and resource list on the Healthy Food Systems Page
An Hermes scarf was one of the luxury accessories my mother brought back from her trip to Paris in 1964. Not only is it a luxury accessory but an Hermes scarf bought in 1964 is also a truly vintage item. In addition, it is in pristine condition. The scarf is from the Passementerie Silk Design Collection.
A Passementerie Silk Scarf that is now listed on the Tradesy.com website
This design came in many color themes. Actually the one show above is in my favorite colors. But it is not the one my mother chose. Hers was in a gold passementerie (tassel) theme with a light blue border. You can see a picture of her scarf at the end of this post.
HISTORY OF HERMES
I was able to locate an article on the history of Hermes. It expresses the history better than I could. Therefore, I am paraphrasing it below.
THE HISTORY OF THE HERMES SCARF: 1937 Hermes Scarf
One of the First Hermes Scarf Designs from 1937 Shows women playing a period game.
One of the first Hermes Scarf Designs from 1937 shows women playing a period game
‘The history of the Hermes scarves is a story of luxury. Even the name Hermes is synonymous with luxury—it really is the best of the best. The brand is known for its quality and desirability. I don’t know a single woman who doesn’t wish she had a beautiful Birkin or Kelly holy-grail-of-a-handbag to hang from her arm (even though she may never admit it).
Almost equally as coveted as the famous Hermes scarf is that trademark orange flat box it comes in. As many of us know, the Hermes brand started as a harness and bridle workshop for horses in Paris in 1837. Thierry Hermes catered to the elite of Europe. Eventually the company expanded into other leather goods (handbags, clothing, etc.). The company continued to grow in popularity over the decades. It became a global powerhouse in the fashion world and continually expanding into different avenues of design. Even today, the company is family-owned, with no licensing deals, and no mass-production. Nearly everything they make is done right in France by experienced artisans who understand the importance of quality.’
Thierry Hermes – The Founder of the Luxury Brand Hermes
The history of the Hermes scarf dates back to the introduction of the first scarf in 1937. Its design was based on a woodblock drawing by Robert Dumas, who was a member of the Hermes family. The Hermes scarf designs were produced from start to finish. They bought the raw silk from China, spun it into yarn, wove it into fabric, and screen-printed it.
Hermes Scarf Design – Handmade in 18 months
‘Each scarf is still individually screen-printed, and designers (of which there are many) are able to choose from tens of thousands of colors for their designs. Think $400+ is too much to pay for a square of silk? Consider this: Once a Hermes scarf design is complete, artisans in the Hermes workshops located outside Lyon take over (some 750 people are employed there!). It takes about 18 months to produce a scarf from that point. The engravers alone take some six months to determine each scarf’s distinct colors (on average about 27). In addition, it takes about 750 hours to engrave the screens for printing (one screen for each color).’
The website that the Hermes Scarf History Section is based on
HERMES TODAY
Today, Hermes scarves typically measure 90cm x 90cm (36 or so inches square), and are made from the silk of mulberry moth cocoons. Each edge is hand-rolled and hand-stitched (a great way to help determine if you’ve got a fake or genuine example), and I have read that one seamstress will roll and stitch only about seven scarves per day. (it’s about quality and craftsmanship, not quotas!) Two collections of silk scarves and two collections of cashmere/silk blend scarves are released each year (and sometimes reprints of old designs or limited editions are put out, as well).
The 2,000+ designs that have been made vary greatly, but many have equestrian motifs. We have seen the Hermes scarf everywhere—Princess Grace of Monaco used one as a sling for her broken arm in 1956. Emily Blunt’s character sent boxes and boxes of Hermes scarves flying into the air when she was (unfortunately) hit by a taxi in The Devil Wears Prada (apparently the devil also favors Hermes).
Queen Elizabeth is frequently photographed with a Hermes scarf covering her head (and a postage stamp featuring her wearing one of the famous scarves came out in the 1950s). Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn were fans, as are many contemporary celebrities and fashion icons. Need to know how to tie a Hermes scarf in different ways? There’s literally an app for that. I think owning a Hermes scarf is almost a rite of passage for anyone interested in fashion. We are in love with vintage printed Hermes scarves at Rice and Beans Vintage and always have a few in stock, so browse our selection of Vintage Hermes now and own a piece of history and art!
Hermès scarf and iconic orange box
Paraphrased article written by Heather Cox and Edited by Sarah Korsiak Cellier for Rice and Beans Vintage
Donations Passed On To Me, Online and In Stores Bargains
Becoming a frugal fashionista has increased my passion for shopping. In other words, my extremely tight clothes and accessories budget has not diminished my joy and ability to acquire new attire. In fact, the degree of savings is directly proportional to the fun and bountifulness I experience. It may surprise readers to learn that the least expensive and most fun ‘free’ (clothes) donations to me are from a local church food pantry.
A selection of clothes including three Old Navy dresses I got from the church pantry at my favorite price, a ‘free’ donation to me. Thanks to St. Agnes in RVC, NY.
Then increasing in price from least to most, I frequent thrift shops, online bargains websites like Poshmark, and rarely something new at a discount chain like HomeGoods or Savers. In addition, I will buy a quality name brand when it is on sale. But the rule is, it must be at least 50-70% off.
Two Diophy brand purses from Poshmark. One I bought ‘new’ and the other one I got for $11.97 slightly ‘reused’.
ALMOST PROFESSIONAL SHOPPER
Hobby to Pro
In fact, I am becoming so adept at this pastime that I feel like a pro. What amazes me the most is that I like the clothes and accessories I am acquiring as a frugal fashionista is better than regular retail shopping.
Believe it or not, my wardrobe is nicer and would be more expensive new than I could ever afford. For example, my accessories include numerous Coach Leather, Kate Spade, and Dooney & Bourke handbags.
Over the years, I have collected vintage Coach, Dooney & Bourke, and Kate Spade bags, very affordable new bags and bags that would be a steal.
A collection of ‘free’ cardigan sweaters to match any purchase. Included are (from top left to bottom right) Charter Club, Lands’ End, Croft & Barrow, L.L.Bean, Merona, Izod. All from the church pantry at no cost to me as a low-income senior.
CONCLUSION
Becoming Even More Frugal
Within a fairly short period of time, I have gone from a middle class, middle aged shopper to a fixed income savvy senior shopper. When the concept was first presented to me, it took some time for me to adjust. But now, I love being a frugal fashionista and I plan to get better and better at this great way to go shopping.
P.S. To comment, please scroll all the way down to the comment box and make you entry with DISQUS.
‘Stop and Proceed Slowly’ Sign by ComplianceSigns.com
INTRODUCTION
My Financial Profile
A recent promotional bonus credit card program has allowed me to be very resourceful with credit cards. Even though I live on a fixed monthly stipend that is typical of a retired low income senior, credit card programs have been a benefit for me. This is because of the tools I have learned and benefited from.
I have written at length about the potential benefits from the responsible use of credit cards. Below are the four Ebook I have written about various credit card benefit offers. These minimally priced Ebooks are available on Amazon.
Financial Ebooks I have written that are available on Amazon
A New Credit Card Promotional Bonus Program to Explore
Several months ago, I was able to apply for a new Promotional Bonus Program Credit Card. I applied and was immediately accepted. Much to my surprise, I had the opportunity to apply for several more of them. I was accepted by those as well.
Without blinking, I went from qualifying for one, then four, and even as many as six of these credit cards. Even then, I kept finding more of these offers. Since I did not want to miss out on a single one of them, I kept applying and being accepted.
Capital One Promotional Bonus Credit Card Offer
RULES OF THE PROGRAM
How To Play
At first, I thought the rules were simple. The Promotional Bonus Credit Card program required only that I charge a given amount of purchases ($500 to $1,000) within a three month period of time. As the bonus, I could receive the equivalent of two hundred dollars per card. Since I always charged many of my purchases, I assumed this was going to be an easy win.
Wells Fargo Promotional Bonus Credit Card Offer
VISITING LAS VEGAS
A Grand Total of Ten Cards
By the time I finally got a denial, I was the recipient of ten promotional bonus credit cards. Wow, I was really feeling exuberant. What I didn’t realize was, like a gambler, feeling exuberant would not last. In other words, I was becoming addicted to applying for and acquiring more of these promotional bonus credit cards.
Because I couldn’t stop, things really got out of hand. With each new card, the game I was playing became increasingly complicated as well as much less manageable. It became harder to keep track of all the rules. I kept making charts of when and how charged were due. Even with this extra effort, I still went from feeling high to feeling totally overwhelmed.
Roulette Table of a Casino Stock photo courtesy of istockphoto.com
PROS AND CONS OF THE PROMOTIONAL BONUS PROGRAM
Not As Easy As It Appeared to Be
Given my history of a perfect payment record, I thought this program would work like a charm for me. I was confident that it would be an easy win. But so many complications plagued me along the way. At times, I have questioned my investment savvy even my sanity. I’ve sworn I would never get in over my head like this again.
CREDIT CARD REWARDS, STATEMENT CREDITS, OR GAMBLING
A Bit of Each
Depending on how intensely one dives into this game determines which level of risk one plays this promotional bonus credit card offer. The more one is tempted to use this program as a gambling gambit, the more one is likely to risk.
CONFUSION AND CHAOS SET IN
I Had Definitely Overdosed on This Program
At times I felt very confused, even sleep deprived by the amount of time some of the transactions required. Numerous ‘unk unks’ (unknown unknowns) have taken place. In other words, I had nothing to do with certain things that happened to complicate the process.
Beware the dangers of this credit card program. Like the saying goes, ‘if it seems too good to be true, it probably is’. Sign from CreativeMarket.comBank of America Promotional Bonus Credit Card Offer
A PROMOTIONAL BONUS IS NOT NECESSARILY A CASH REWARD
How Do You Know Which Is which?
In total, I theoretically could net many cash rewards or statement credits. Forms of redemption were unclear. For example, the funds may be held over towards the payment of the next month’s bill. Another scenario was ‘the check is in the mail.’ We all know ‘the check is in the mail’ scenario. In that case, it can take up to several monthly cycles.
Gift Cards
Let’s not forget the gift card option. But is that a gift to me? I didn’t know who it would go to. In conclusion, none of these alternate options was optimal. Given my preference, I like my promotional bonus to be deposited right into my checking account as a cash reward. But that is not always possible. In fact, if the only option is a statement credit, the promotional bonus tool is a guarantee to the credit card company that I will continue to charge in the future to make use of their bonus.
‘Danger Go Slow’ sign from SafetySupplyWarehouse.com
POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
A Credit Card Gets Hacked
For example, while I was accumulating bonuses, one of these new cards got hacked. I had to replace it in the middle of my promotional bonus project. In addition, I tried to cancel items that were not refunded but turned into ‘honey points’. Other charges were also counted twice. Even though I did not cause these issues, their occuring caused me to have a severe lack of focus. It became very difficult for me to concentrate on the credit card bonus offers.
The Citi Custom Cash Promotional Bonus Card Offer
MAKE ONE CHANGE AT A TIME
New Tools Can Be Very Tempting To Use Simultaneously
In addition to signing up for these credit card bonus offers, I signed up for autopay. Making two major program changes at one time was a mistake. As a result, some bills got paid twice. It was becoming impossible to keep track of what I was doing.
BEWARE OF TRAVELING IN UNEXPLORED TERRITORY
Use a Reliable Map
Ultimately I realized what was wrong. It was that I had embarked on a new system that was going outside the box of familiar navigation. This new program was twice as hard to maneuver since I was exploring the unknown. Therefore I strongly advise readers to make one change at a time when adding a new element to an existing template.
Bank of America Promotional Bonus Card
NOT QUITE THE CONCLUSION
Is This Calculus or Physics? It Can’t Just Be Bookkeeping
Using credit cards responsibly and profitably is not a strictly arithmetic endeavor. As I discovered with each new profit making tool, their value is equaled by their complexity. Although the original templates are the foundation of this program, with each new component the program goes further outside the original box.
PROMOTIONAL BONUS BAIT
Something Smells Fishy
Along these lines, credit card companies continue to make themselves increasingly tempting to individuals who think they can stay on top of the latest innovations. This requires that individuals stay more than sharp and continue to search for new and existing credit cards. These can improve as investment tools, not just a means of delaying payments on purchases. But they become very challenging to use.
ANOTHER WARNING
This Is Not Bookkeeping 101
As time has gone by, this project has become painfully complicated. What initially seemed like a straightforward giveaway has become a torturous maze of numbers and dates. I participated to see how far I could go outside the box. In other words, I wanted to see how much I could challenge myself. It has been several months with a total of ten new cards. But I am not yet finished with this program. I can hardly wait to be done with it.
This chart illustrates how my credit score was affected by the promotional bonus program. It was 820 before I started and went down to 800 at its lowest. It is rising again since I have almost completed the program.
MY FINANCIAL PROFILE GETS HIT
Effect on My Credit Score
My credit score dropped during this project. The reason is that each credit card application was a ‘hard’ check to my score. But since I have met each charge challenge in a timely manner, my score is rising again and is recovering it’s 800+ scores. Credit score chart courtesy of American Express.
But there is one catch to building an emergency fund with this program. Money has to go out before it can come in. For a while it has seemed that I have lost rather than gained financially.
Warning sign from readers-digest-ca
CASH REWARDS OR CREDIT STATEMENTS
Read the Fine Print to Find Out
Besides the delay, the rewards are often available as statement credits rather than cash rewards. Since my tendency and necessity has been to buy more things, this project has not been a great source of emergency savings. Saving up for them was why I participated originally. Instead, it has also required constant vigilance with each card. Besides that, the amount that I have had to charge is requiring the use of partial payments to stay flush each month. Now I also have to keep track of the deadline on partial payments.
This is a very tricky game requiring numerous greater than rudimentary skills. It feels like the Olympic decathlon competition. In fact, I am now having to use the partial-pay 0% APR feature that comes with these cards. Therefore I am learning something else that is new. But I have been pulled deeper into this maze. I never paid attention to APR percentages in the past, nor did I need to. But now, how many months will I need to use this new tool keeping to the 0%APR?
A FINAL WARNING
Do What I Say, Not What I Did
I do not recommend going to the extremes I have. It has nearly driven me crazy. I may have even permanently burnt out some numerical brain cells besides spending a huge amount of time on this experiment. Has it been worth it?
Sometimes, the way I learn things is by going to extremes. It involves extending the limits of my existing skills to see what new ones I want to gain. Taking little steps would be more prudent. In fact, I suggest taking small, prudent steps for anyone who wants to sign on to this or any cash bonus program.
A set of directional signs from Monexsafetyservices.com
A FINAL WORD ABOUT THIS CREDIT CARD BENEFIT OFFERS PROGRAM
On the Plus Side
One: Paying car insurance in four instead of six payments saving money on installments. Two: Paying home contents insurance in full annually saving about $50 dollars. Three: Paying car registration for the next two years, early, without a pinch, and in full. Four: Being able to afford a healthy diet and avoid illness. Five: Purchasing pleasant necessities rather than feeling very deprived. Six: Occasionally buying something new, even secondhand, but not completely pantry hand-me-downs.
CONCLUSION
The Tip of the Iceberg
As you can see from this blog post, there are many credit card benefit offers. But they have complications that may outweigh their worth. These benefits are like an iceberg. What they appear to offer is actually only the tip of the iceberg of what they can cost.
Were you able to navigate this obstacle course? I’d love to hear your experience. Please share with the rest of us in the comments area. I will report in with my final results as soon as I am done. Right now, I’ve got two cards to go. One is to make a claim. The other is to charge $500 and then make my claim.
Bondi Beach Australia, Bondi Icebergs, Courtesy of Marley Clovelly
Plant based fried chicken cutlets from ‘The Happy Pig’
‘Stop and Proceed Slowly’ Sign by ComplianceSigns.com
Wells Fargo Promotional Bonus Credit Card Offer
