Their simplicity and flexibility are perfect for my "lazy optimizer" ethos. And I know cash-back cards are the best option for the majority of Americans. But a month ago, I broke my own rule and signed up for a travel card, the new Chase Sapphire Reserve. Why did I break from my own advice,

For one, the Chase Sapphire Reserve's offer was too good to pass up. Secondly, I'm planning to travel next spring and summer, and it turns out that the best time to sign up for a travel card given my timeline is now. The Chase Sapphire Reserve launched in August 2016, and it's one of the most talked about cards on the market, thanks in large part to its eye-popping sign-up bonus, generous rewards rate and slew of outstanding perks.

450 a year to carry it -- but for me, the math just made sense. 150 per year, as long as you use it. I've already used my 2016 benefit, and I have plenty of travel plans after the new year for my 2017 benefit. Pro tip: The travel credit resets with the calendar year, not on your anniversary of holding the card.

That means if you're considering applying for the Chase Sapphire Reserve, I'd recommend you do so quickly; you want to get the card soon enough to give you time to use the 2016 travel credit. 300-per-year travel credit) -- or a 10x return. 3. It's the ongoing rewards rates that sealed the deal for me.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3 points per dollar spent on travel and dining and 1 point everywhere else. But, again, each of those points is worth 1.5 cents at the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, so the effective rewards rates are 4.5% back on travel and dining and 1.5% back everywhere else. The 1.5%-back base rewards rate puts this card in the same league as some of the best cash-back cards on the market, and no card comes close to matching 4.5% back on travel and dining.

4. The card's additional perks have clear use cases for our little family. 100 every four years to cover the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. My wife has long coveted my TSA PreCheck status, which I got via the The Platinum Card from American Express a few years ago, and now she can get it for free. The card also grants you Priority Pass Select access to hundreds of VIP airport lounges worldwide. We have at least three trips planned for next year, so we'll make good use of that benefit.

5. Oh, and I forgot to mention: It's made out of metal, which is just cool. I recognize the card isn't for everyone. 450 upfront fee is too much for many Americans' budgets, regardless of long-term value. Plus, the card requires a credit score over 720, and many credit card enthusiasts may have disqualified themselves by signing up for too many cards in the past two years (thanks to Chase's "5/24 rule"). 300 on travel this year, I'd recommend you apply. The math is firmly in your favor for the first year.

But examine your spending and decide for yourself whether it's the right fit. An important part of the value of the Chase Sapphire Reserve for me was the fact that I had a clear path to using the points. 300 annual travel credit. And I knew I'd be able to use the sign-up bonus toward next year's travel, as well.

In fact, if you're considering travel in 2017 and would like a new credit card's sign-up bonus to help you get there, it turns out that now is actually the best time of year to pick a new card. A NerdWallet study found that credit card issuers follow a predictable pattern of increasing their sign-up bonuses for travel cards in November.

Another reason to consider getting a card sooner than later, You need a head start to accrue your points and use them in time for future travel. Rules of thumb for finance, and for life in general, are helpful because they simplify regular decisions. I generally recommend cash-back cards, but I've found a travel card that will meet my needs for 2017, so I applied. Remember that personal finance is personal. What matters is taking the time to think through your options and finding the best one for you. Photo courtesy of NerdWallet.