While in some parts paying for the paper may be heresy , there are vendors on EBay selling nine month subscriptions for sometimes as little as $25. The price is intended as a promo for new subscribers, but can be an outlet for renewals with a little effort.

Once the nine month teaser rate expires, many EBay sellers will sell you a new nine month contract, although the name on the account will have to change. I'm in my third subscription this way, with the second being in my wife's maiden name, and the most recent one in my cat's name.

Search: "WALL STREET JOURNAL PRINT & DIGITAL NINE" on EBay for examples of current deals.

At that kind of price point, messing around with freebie professional subscriptions or using miles (unless orphans) may not be worth the effort.