I'm WAY point conscious out of necessity. We purchased only 150 (at HHI, no less) and utilized Magical Beginnings. Our first year (2002), we borrowed the full 150 from the following use year. The second year, we borrowed all but 15 or so. Our third year, we borrowed quite a large number from 2005. This, our fourth year, is shaping up to be our best year ever -- we're only 3 points "in debt" for 2006! (Of course our February use year just started today, hasn't it? And gee, I might feel the need to return any day now, huh?)
Despite our small number of points and the constant borrowing, however, I'm pleased with the number of nights we have been able to get. After this latest SSR trip, between our family and the other friends/family members we've dragged along with us, we will have spent over 30 nights in Home Away From Home studios. If we had paid rack rate for those nights, it would have added up to pretty darn close to our purchase price after the Magical Beginnings discount. DH says we can look at any future stays as "profit" now!
DD and I are doing a 4-day weekend cash stay at Pop Century to avoid going back into "point debt." I hate paying cash for a ressie; kinda defeats the purpose of why we bought into
DVC in the first place, but I'm keeping my eyes on the prize: eventually we WILL get to stay in a vacation home other than a studio (even if I have to borrow 2007 points next year to do it). Is it true there's no going back once you've experienced the joys of a 1-BR? Guess friends and family will have to learn that the gravy train is closed! Luckily, the in-laws purchased DVC on our last trip together!