Did I waste MQDs by overshooting my 2025 status goal?

Started flying Delta regularly in September and picked up the co-branded cards then too. Looks like I’ll finish 2025 with around 24–25K MQDs, already maxed across all four cards.

Since I started late, Diamond for 2026 isn’t happening, but I think it’s realistic for 2027 if I plan from January. Still, I’m annoyed — those extra $9–10K MQDs over Platinum feel wasted. Once you hit your status goal, there’s really no extra benefit, right (aside from those 50K/75K flyers)?

I’m now rethinking timing: usually pay property taxes on 11/1 and prepay HOA dues in December for the next year, but maybe I should hold both until January. Already prepaid my 2026 co-op dues this year (about $2K MQDs) and now feeling a bit dumb — met a SUB, so not all bad, but still poorly timed.

Do most of you stop spending once you’ve hit your goal or keep stacking MQDs anyway?

I guess that I could switch my spend to a cash back card, but I guess then I wouldn't be earning miles on my purchases.