Hi All,

Love this thread, I can completely relate, but I have some similar but different experiences.

First, I have busted my butt to keep my credit rating for over 20 years as high as possible. So when I stumbled on flyertalk, it was love at first byte. This was time to benefit from those years of building that FICO score. Second, I have always been a cheapskate, hate paying retail for anything, designed schemes to save money...on everything. Strangely enough, I have always been a pretty good tipper at restaurants and hotels. I think because if it wasn't for a few influential ships that passed my way in the night, I may have been that waiter or bellman. But I digress...

I believe that the best thing in life is options...options to go travel the world or stay at a spa. Flyertalk expands everyones options, if they choose to pursue them, and those options have taken a large amount of stress out of my own life and those people I care about.

My best "option" was when my friend from High School called a few years ago. He let me know that his father was dying, but with a wife and 2 kids, and the economic crash in full swing, that he just couldn't borrow the money to go to AZ and be with his father at the expense what little of his family's financial resources he had left. This guy was the friend you had, that no matter what you needed, he was always there for you. Even though we drifted apart in later years, he never changed. Anyway, because of Flytalk and the posters showing me the way to bonuses, it was a no brainier to use my stockpiled miles - so I flew him home a few days later. His father lasted a bit longer than expected, but my friend was there while his dad could appreciate it and for the most part, say goodbye. Rarely in life do you actually get to make such a difference. It was pretty cool!

As a result, I have been "paying it forward" by letting good people know how they can afford vacations or getaways with the knowledge I glean from all you great people. Your advice has found its way from students, newlyweds, families, and retirees all taking meaningful trips that would have otherwise only been "pipe dreams."

I am still motivated by self interest, but I have to admit, I do like helping others travel just as much as I do.

Warm Regards,

Alex