good answers. Not fond of magazines - though it would be cheap I reckon. I like the points & cash idea, I haven't done that for awhile.
I just realized IHG does soft landings.. This account was Platinum (Had an IHG card), and is now Gold until the end of the year. And I see there is a Silver level [I'm ignorant of this level - as I've always been Platinum due to cards for 10 years or so]. Assuming Silver in 2026. If stars align, will use more points next year...but good to have these ideas in the back of my head.