it doesn’t matter if you’re fond of magazines or not (you’re not forced to read them) the purpose for buying the magazine is to extending the life of the points at least cost and at least risk! You can even give the magazine away.

Save buying points either directly or via a points + cash booking until you actually need them. No need to give IHG any more cash unless necessary.

A few years ago I spent a couple of quid on an audio guide on Expedia because it was the cheapest way at the time of stopping them expiring. Spent £ 3 to save £ 50 of points. Didn’t even download the app for the tour.