My SkyMiles will expire on Dec 31, so I placed an order for U.S. News & World Report through the Magazines for Miles program using 500 miles on Nov 7. As of today, the mileage deduction never posted, so I called the Delta Magazines for Miles program and they told me they were out of U.S. News & World Report subscriptions and my subscription did not go through. I wish they sent me an e-mail telling me this since I'm now 16 days from mileage expiration.

I can either try for another magazine subscription and hope the miles get deducted before Dec 31, or I can buy miles which will post in 72 hours.

QUESTION:
1. How long does it take for the miles to be deducted after purchasing a magazine subscription through Magazines for Miles (provided the magazine is available)?

2. What do you think is the best option for me to make sure my miles do not expire on Dec 31?