Not sure if you caught the New York Times article the other day about seizing the the day- but it really stuck with me. The article basically statistically outlines the various ways in which points, airlines miles, gift certificates, etc go to waste because the user is waiting for the perfect time to use them.

Kinda rings a similar bell doesn’t it… Going back to my post What now? about New Year’s resolutions, I would have to say that making use of these added bonuses should have both a short and a long term approach.

If you are saving up for a trip that you know you want to take at the end of the year, that is one thing and sets you up for a long-term goal. However, if you float along in life content with where you are and what you have, make use of those little gifts sooner than later. Just book that trip to Miami, or Europe, and get a massage with that gift card. Take someone out to dinner or a champagne brunch- celebrate the extra/ free monetary help!

It may seem counter intuitive- especially since we are all pretty well programed to save right now, but here’s the catch- those points and gift cards don’t accrue interest, they expire. Yep, see what I mean? This knowledge sticks with you. Use your points or certificates to treat yourself- do it today.