December looks like I was a total glutton, but I brought forward some expenses for a reason: I was really close to getting status on American Airlines, and prepaying some expenses before my December statement took me over the threshold. Emboldened, I have decided to aim for Platinum before the February 28th cutoff.
These last couple of months I've been working strategically to obtain loyalty status. Let's face it: I travel for a living, and getting extra perks makes it less stressful. By doing a little planning, I have locked in AAdvantage Gold Status (and I still have a couple months to try for Platinum!), Hilton Honors Diamond, and Marriott Bonvoy Platinum (unfortunately a downgrade from the current Titanium, but even getting Platinum required some effort this year).
- I prepaid for $1,000 toward the water/trash bill.
- I prepaid for 12 months of mobile phone service for both of us.
- I paid property taxes on both rental properties using a credit card.
- I made a huge quarterly tax payment. It's most likely more than my tax liability and I'll get any overpayment back as a refund.
- I bought a dozen air filters to take advantage of an AMEX Offer for $20 back on a Walmart purchase.
- I bought $3,000 in Amazon gift cards.
Fun (aka Personal Travel)
- My AMEX card had an offer of $100 cash back if I spent $500 on Carnival Cruise, so I prepaid towards one of our 2026 cruises.
- I visited my mom twice in December. Those hotel bills along with the rental car are categorized as "fun".
- I pay for two AMC A-List subscriptions each month.
December Expenses: $24,321
$20 Clothing/ Personal Care
