Now is a good time to review where you stand with your preferred airline and hotel partners.

If you don’t take action, when the clock ticks to midnight on January 1, your elite status fate for the coming year will be sealed. Since airlines and hotels base elite status and earned rewards on the calendar year, everything must take place before the end of the year.

If you have a job or any kind of income, chances are you have a checking account. Unless you want to stuff cash under your mattresses, you need to have one. The great news is that several banks will actually to reward you with frequent-flyer miles for opening and using a checking account.