One of the problems with frequent flyer and frequent guest programs is that the points and/or miles can disappear if the account is inactive for a period of time. Mileage programs typically expire after three years of activity, but hotel programs usually cancel points after a year or so.

To keep your accounts active, there must be some activity in the account. Many of us have credit cards linked to the appropriate programs, and any acitvity with that card will serve to extend the life of your precious points and miles.

Here's a suggestion for setting up an "automatic" activity generator: by making a monthly donation to the St. Judes Hospital (the one founded by the late Danny Thomas), your account will be safe indefinitely.

They even make it easy for you to start and stop. Go here:

https://www.stjude.org/donate/0,2595...2,00.html?wt=M

and figure out what's a reasonable amount for you. According to their TV ad, $19/month makes you a Partner or something like that. They also make it easy to stop, so the whole thing is pretty much in your control.

I'm normally not a shill for any sort of charitable activity, but in this case I know the Hospital is legit, and their overhead costs are very low. If you've ever know anyone who was helped (at no cost!) by the Shriners, you know what I'm talking about.

Hey, you might also get miles! Depends on how they word the charge.