This is FlyerTalk, so the first job is to exponentially increase your harvest of miles (and points). No, I mean it.

What you prefer to spend them on is up to you; for me, I have given some "dream trips" to others - e.g. US-HKG-BKK r/t in First for a honeymooning couple that was very concerned they were not at all well off (restaurant business!), wanting to visit his family in Thailand, and looking at over $3,200 in (yech!) Coach! Instead, they got silk pyjamas, suites, F lounge access, a much more memorable way to get there and back. Cost to me, some miles; benefit to them, priceless.

(As they discussed the dates and costs, wondering how they were going to do it all, @:-) went on - the looks on their faces when I told them casually they would be flying First Class on Japan Airlines, first disbelief - "Of COURSE we're not!" and ultimately calling to verify the PNR I have them... THAT was the payoff to me!)

No doubt, study FlyerTalk and 'way up your take, broaden your scope and raise the barrier.