I am not a frequent traveler but have done a few trips in the last year and I am trying to jump through all the hoops to make Silver.

I understand it is a combination of miles, segments and dollars - on top of a 4 flight segment minimum.

Currently I have:

23,967 miles
6.5 segments
$2,506 dollars

Won't make the credit card spend waiver.

QUESTIONS

1. I just bought $2000 worth of tickets to Amsterdam (not including upgrade fees) Will this money paid (not on a UA credit card) eventually show up or do I have to fly the route first? (Bought tickets July 27th)

2. I believe I need 25,000 miles . . . I should get them when I fly to Amsterdam in December. Is there any advantage to me BUYING 1,500 miles now? Will that make me Silver, sooner? And if so, what difference would it make as I have already upgraded my flights?

Thanks! seems like I am close enough to make it happen, if only to say I did it??