That guy? Grubbing? Projecting much? Maybe if you don't have money, you'd have to grub. I don't worry about that. As I mentioned in my post, I'm not pushing that I need to pay the check with my bonus earning credit card so that I can earn miles/points to fly in a lie-flat business seat and stay at the Paris Hyatt Vendome, especially if folks want separate checks. With the folks I hang around, it's not unusual to pool a check and pay through one credit card or have someone pick up the tab and have others still volunteer to throw in money.

By the way, to anybody but folks here at FT, what you're talking isn't considered "the usual methods."

Besides, it's amazing how Chase, Citi, American Express, Barclays, US Bank, and other financial institutions prefer to see some spending other than on gift cards at office supply stores. You know, a monthly statement where I've got restaurant, grocery store, gas station, hotel, airline, golf course, clothing, and other spending.

When I see someone around here moaning about how their accounts got shut down, that they can't understand why a financial institution attempted to claw back a bonus, or that they couldn't get approved for a credit card despite a great score on Credit Karma, I figure it's exclusive reliance on "the usual methods" that got them there. Banks look at a lot more when trying to decide whether or not you're a good customer today and for the future.

As I said, start with the basics. Don't overlook the obvious. You can mix in the rest later, if necessary. You'll get more than enough to finance your own travel, even without gift cards and office supply spending bonuses.

And, I hardly sweat fronting money for my sister for a couple of months if it makes it possible for her to take a well-deserved vacation. But thanks for giving me advice on how to handle my family relations.