So I've been sitting on a chunk of Airmiles for the last few years. These were slowly collected passively without any attention. That is, I've got the card and am spending here so may as well collect. I made a redemption for a few hundred dollars of Reitmans cards back when they had them and before I knew better.

And for awhile since I've known better, I thought Airmiles were good for some gift cards at The Keg.

But now I'm pretty happy with my accumulation and a recent redemption. So, I thought I'd share.

Over the last few months I've collected just under 2,000 Airmiles for continuing to do the things I do but with a bit more care.

150 Airmiles for purchasing a $100 Sobeys gift card
100 Airmiles for purchasing a $100 Sobeys gift card
100 Airmiles for a $100 Metro purchase (gift cards excluded of course)
100 Airmiles for a $50 Pharma Plus purchase combined with a 40 Airmiles for $40 on skin care products (I am a girl)

It takes a few extra minutes scanning the flyers and a bit of planning. And I've really cut down on my Costco shopping. I still buy most things on sale and know how much they should cost with a good sale. I do sometimes get caught up in it and buy a few too many things than I can reasonably use. But I do this with everything in life. And so do most of you, I suspect. And admittedly, I do have several hundred dollars of Sobeys gift cards now. But I'll spend them wisely.

Anyway, I just redeemed some Airmiles for a car rental in the US. Thanks to JJJs recommendation way back when.

2,275 Airmiles for a 10 day car rental. The cheapest price I could find was $521.97 USD. That's about $680 CDN before the spread.

After the $11.30 'award booking fee' (!?! yes I know) and the $72.54 USD taxes and fees, I'm saving about $575 Canadian. That's a 25 cents value per Airmile.

Since I've started paying attention, I'm buying these Airmiles at 1 to almost 3 per $1 spend. That's a crazy 25% return on my effort. Which isn't much.

Notes: Maybe my math is wrong! The excellent bonus days are only a couple a month at any store. My attention span is short. And I probably have too much Aveeno and Herbal Essences on my shelves.

I checked with my car insurance and I can rent in the US with my personal coverage. Up to a $50,000 car. That's probably CDN but I didn't ask.

There were cheaper car rentals in terms of Airmiles redemption and taxes and fees for the 10 days, but we're a family of five. And I felt like a bit of a splurge with that extra legroom. Besides I'm flush with Airmiles.

So, I've been sitting on the Amex Airmiles app. I still have my eye on some good Airmiles flight redemptions and 2,000 Airmiles will top up my account. FYF. Certainly I will not be using it past any minimum spend requirements.

As always, sorry if this post is in the wrong spot.

NJD