When I began down the blog path at the beginning of 2011, I looked to my predecessors to guide me on how I should run InACents. For example, I have been a long time reader of MyMoneyBlog (since sometime in 2007 from what I can tell), and loved the transparency of finances in his monthly wrap-ups, yet Jonathan’s identity was always private. There was no need to get into specifics about where he lived, what he did for a living, or even what he looked like. That is initially how I wanted to run my site. To this day, My Money Blog is my favorite daily reader, and I give a tremendous amount of credit to Jonathan on how he runs his blog.

Then I began to read other blogs, both finance and travel related, and again a lot of them were very transparent. As the reader you knew exactly who they were, with everything spelled out about their lives including pictures of themselves. The openness of the sites was an appealing approach that gave me a real sense of inspiration. I love going to sites that spill out pure and raw information. To give an example, I recently started reading ManvsDebt and was so inspired, I wanted to run home and sell all my belongings and travel around the country with my family, just like he is. The most beautiful part of the whole process is that Baker posts a monthly wrap-up accounting for every cent they brought in and spent. It is so open and straight forward and very inspirational, especially to see where a simple blog can take you.

Another great example and an awesomely run website is Smart Passive Income. Pat’s website is very well constructed with tons of useful information, as well as the site has heavy traffic (and income). Pat also posts an amazing and inspirational monthly recap of all the expenses and income he brings in. How we all can dream of such success.

So when I post on InACents, I struggle with myself on exactly how transparent we should be. I love the authenticity of being open and honest about finances. First, it keeps us accountable for our actions. Not that we were not highly conscionable about our spending and credit before creating the blog, but it keeps it all foremost in our minds. Second, it gets people talking without having to feel everything is so taboo. Obviously there is no reason to hide much when it comes to travel rewards, so we spill our guts with those as well.

The other major thing that has troubled me all these months is how I fit into the world of blogging. I was worried about finding myself and fitting into a niche. It bothered me that I was talking about finance and travel, and not focusing on only one. I was worried I would confuse the readers. Would other bloggers question linking to me when I was not strictly a travel or finance blog?

It finally clicked to me over the long holiday weekend about my “identity” through the blog. I realized that I have a distinct advantage of being the “every man or woman” that is not an expert in either field of finance or travel. I do not have a degree in either category. I am educated in engineering, and thus have a calculating vantage point and opinion. I am not the typical talking business suit (no offense intended for those that are) with high mileage accumulation. I am a family man who only has limited resources when it comes to enjoying travels. However, I have unlimited potential for savings and smart financial decisions.

To give an example, when it comes to earning airline miles, lots of other bloggers jump at the chance to purchase tens of thousands of miles when there are incentives by the airlines (i.e. 50-100% match). Often time, maximizing the opportunities means dropping hundreds or thousands of dollars up front. In return, they heavily stock their accounts with miles that can be used to redeem for premium seats in business or first class on international travel. Sounds great, right?

On one hand, they all have a valid opinion and can travel in comfort and style as the penny pinchers move to the rear. On the other hand, it means spending lots of money upfront to travel in style. The other gamers do not even blink an eye at redeeming 100,000+ miles for a first class ticket from the US to Asia, for example. While everyone is entitled to travel how they wish, that really does not fit into our lifestyle. They still are shelling out thousands of dollars upfront. When traveling with a family, we look to maximize our mile usage to accommodate a family of four (currently). I presume most people are in the category of trying to score an advantage while getting a family from point A to B.

We have a young and growing family. Travel means I need at least 3 seats at this point in our lives, and carrying our infant in our laps. Traveling with a family adds a whole new dynamic to the travel game. When you are single, or even married with no kids, the logistics of doing a mileage run, or flying around the world become a lot simpler than traveling with children. A thousand dollars to purchase miles and fly first class looks me like a great opportunity to fly my entire family somewhere instead.

I do not want to drop thousands of dollars just to purchase miles when I know if I really watch for deals, I can purchase flights anywhere in the continental U.S. for less, typically. I realize international travel is also a whole other ballgame, and respect where the other bloggers are coming from when it comes to redeeming miles for high end rewards.

So to all of my readers, current and future, I give to you a non-expert opinion on ways to really maximize your returns when it comes to saving money and earning rewards for airlines and hotels with a distinct family minded approach. As my family grows both in numbers and in age, my opinions may change. However, I am always thinking about is this deal really worth it when it comes to getting my family around the globe and into a financially responsible place in life.