As you note, some kind of activity is necessary in regards to UA as well as most other points/miles programs so that your stash doesn't expire. That doesn't necessarily have to be an expensive proposition, however. Most mileage programs, including UA, have shopping portals. Most award miles for buying music, even one song, through iTunes. Of course, putting a small amount of spend on a co-branded credit card, such as the Explorer card does the same thing.

In addition, UA, AA, DL, and Southwest as well as some hotels participate in the Rewards Network Dining Program. This can be a hit or miss proposition depending on where you live as in some areas there are lots of restaurants that participate and in others, not so many. It's an instant category bonus, though, as most programs give you three miles per dollar spent for giving them your email address and five per dollar if you have 12 or more dines per year at restaurants in the program. I'm fortunate that three restaurants that I would frequent in any case participate in the program. Almost any purchase from the restaurant, including gift cards or certificates, qualify, so you could spend $5 or $10 at some places to earn miles. It's a great benefit for me because I eat out most nights of the week, but even if you only can afford the occasional splurge, it can be a low cost way to add to your mileage accounts and keep your accounts active.

In case you're not aware, the AA card seems to be in a "rinse, repeat" mode right now. Details: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/citi-...ess-cards.html. No guarantees, of course, that this will continue while you pay off your education bills, and in fact, an almost certain guarantee that it will not, but it might allow you to build a nice stash before the gravy train runs out.

As a long-term player, you should be aware that programs devalue--American's set to do so in late March although the reduced mileage awards and 10% rebate remain in place--but that happens. A lot of folks are into "earning and burning," but I'm comfortable building a reservoir of points/miles that allow nearly free or very reduced cost travel to destinations I actually want to visit rather than just sitting in a luxury cabin and flying to nowhere. I've accepted that devaluations happen, but most have happened with sufficient advance notice to allow me to book any impending travel if the cost is heading up. Otherwise, I just hold onto to my points/miles and understand that it's a cost of doing business.