Money

Expert trick to save on your hotel bill with one email

Published

2 years ago

February 20, 2024

Ahron Young

Travelers are constantly seeking ways to cut costs without compromising on comfort.

Enter a savvy trick that could save you a significant chunk on your next hotel booking – all with just one email.

Jason Higgs, the Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii, unveils a simple yet effective strategy to score a discount on your hotel stay.

What Happens When You Use An Official Booking Website

Booking accommodations through popular platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com has become second nature for many travelers.

These platforms offer convenience, a plethora of deals, and secure booking processes.

However, what many may not realize is that hotels pay a commission fee, typically between 15% and 20% of the booking amount, to these booking websites.

Hotels embrace technology amid rising infestations

Who You Should Email And What You Should Ask

After making your reservation through a booking website, Higgs advises reaching out directly to the hotel via email. Inquiring whether they can offer a lower rate if you book directly through them could yield surprising results.

Hotels, keen to avoid paying hefty commissions, may be inclined to offer a discount, often around 10%.

The Implications For Your Cancellation Policy

Booking directly with the hotel might not only save you money but could also lead to a more favorable cancellation policy. Some hotels extend more lenient cancellation terms, potentially allowing for a full refund if canceled within 24-48 hours of your stay or even within 24 hours with a valid reason.

Draft Email Template You Can Adapt

To simplify the process, Higgs provides a template for the email you can send to hotels:

[Template]

*Dear Sir or Madam,*

*On [date], I made a booking using [the website you used, e.g., Booking.com]. Here are the details:*

*Booking Reference No.:*

*Check-in and check-out dates:*

*Name/s:*

*No. of guests:*

*Room/s booked:*

*Reservation status: [confirmed or pending]*

*Total reservation price:*

*Additional information:*

*I would like to know whether I could secure a discount if I book my stay directly through you, rather than [booking website]. If this is possible, please provide the new price and instructions on how to proceed.*

*I look forward to hearing from you shortly.*

*Best regards,*

*[Your Name]*

Higgs emphasises that there’s nothing to lose by sending the email, and the potential benefits for both parties are significant. So, next time you’re gearing up for a trip, don’t forget to hit ‘send’ on that money-saving email – it could make all the difference.

Money

U.S. markets mixed as tech slumps and Fed moves spark uncertainty

Mixed US equity results as tech stocks drop; market uncertainty rises amid Fed Chair change. Join Steve Gopalan’s insights on FX trends.

Published

3 days ago

February 6, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Mixed US equity results as tech stocks drop; market uncertainty rises amid Fed Chair change. Join Steve Gopalan’s insights on FX trends.

US equity markets posted mixed results as technology stocks fell, reflecting growing concerns about AI disruptions. The delay of key labour data has added to market uncertainty, especially with President Trump’s recent appointment of Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair.

Steve Gopalan from SkandaFX joins us to discuss how these shifts could influence monetary policy, corporate FX strategies, and the broader financial landscape.

We also dive into FX trends, euro-area inflation signals, and Australian dollar movements, exploring what these developments mean for investors worldwide.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#USMarkets #TechStocks #FedPolicy #FXTrading #AIImpact #LabourMarket #CurrencyTrends #InvestingInsights

Money

Tech stocks and Bitcoin tumble amid market uncertainty and rising job concerns

Wall Street plummets as tech stocks and Bitcoin fall, raising concerns about job market and economic stability.

Published

3 days ago

February 6, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Wall Street plummets as tech stocks and Bitcoin fall, raising concerns about job market and economic stability.

Wall Street took a sharp hit Thursday as technology stocks and Bitcoin plunged, reigniting worries over the job market and global economic stability. Kyle Rodda from Capital.com breaks down how Alphabet and Qualcomm’s earnings may signal broader tech weakness.

Bitcoin’s recent drop also rattled crypto markets, with Coinbase shares falling sharply. Rodda explains how much of the decline is driven by market fundamentals versus shifting investor sentiment, and how rising AI expenditures are affecting investor confidence in tech.

The surge in unemployment claims, coupled with falling bond yields, is prompting concern over overall market stability.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#WallStreetCrash #TechStocks #BitcoinDrop #MarketVolatility #JobMarket #InvestingTips #CryptoNews #Ticker

Money

S&P 500 dips as tech stocks struggle with AMD leading losses

S&P 500 declines as tech stocks sell off; AMD plummets, Microsoft stable, investors eye Alphabet’s upcoming earnings report.

Published

4 days ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

S&P 500 declines as tech stocks sell off; AMD plummets, Microsoft stable, investors eye Alphabet’s upcoming earnings report.

The S&P 500 fell as technology stocks faced intense selling pressure, dragging the broader market lower. AMD shares were particularly hard hit, falling 17% after its first-quarter forecast disappointed analysts.

Software names including Oracle and CrowdStrike also struggled, although Microsoft found some stability amid the sell-off.

Investors are now focused on Alphabet, which is set to report earnings after the bell Wednesday.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker