I don't think many people go around advertising the balances of their FF accts or bank accts. Its pretty easy to piece together when you miss out on alot of events because you're traveling to NY, Chicago, London, Hong Kong, Singapore etc.

Alot of comments I just ignore or don't respond to. But I have a cousin who likes to bring up travel every family event. She graduated college and doesn't have a job because she wants to see the world before settling down (why don't you do the opposite and get a job first and then see the world on your own dime).

Uncle silver-tls, you've already been around the world so you don't need your miles, care to sponsor a poor college graduate on the trip of a lifetime?

My response: Sure - as soon as you get a job and earn enough vacation time. Your parents gave up alot of their time and money to put you through school so you can get a job and earn everything. And when I travel, its not vacation. I fly 14 hours, get off a plane and if I'm lucky, I will get a shower before plugging through meetings all day. Barely get 2-3 hours of sleep before another day of meetings and then I fly back home.

I'll rarely ever redeem an award for myself so its either for the wife and kids or parents. Thats where the world has gone...healthy and educated - expecting handouts.