I am in an extremely fortunate position whereby I earn several million loyalty points per year through business expenditure (Amex and Avios). I am also a high income earner that could afford to travel luxuriously without points, if I chose to spend my money on it.

Unfortunately I have got into an extremely bad mindset where loyalty points are dictating my travel and holidaying plans. I just can't bring myself to pay for a flight (or hotel), and if there is no reward availability for a flight, I will either not travel or modify my trip in a negative way so I can utilise points. Furthermore, I spend hours upon hours searching for reward flights, and given 'time' is an asset, it is poor use of time.

I appreciate this isn't a typical thread and I hope I don't get any hate over it, but it's gotten to the point where it's become a real issue. Some days I wish these points never existed so I have no choice but to pay cash… I have worked extremely hard for years and years to earn a a living that would allow me to treat myself and family, yet I can’t bring myself to spend any of it on travel because my brain says "Why pay money for travel when you get it free using points". Whilst this is great when the availability is there, I need to reprogram my brain so I don’t feel guilty paying cash for tickets or hotels when there isn’t availability via points.

Hoping there may be somebody else who has had similar experiences and have made it through to the other side!