Calendar year, so 12/31/14.
Nope :-/ but nice find.
Cash options are usually at least $100.
If you decide points is the way to go, the cheapest points option is 2k points per weekend night at
Category 1 properties.
You have a few months for the stays, there's no rush.
I would do some spending on an SPG card, or refer somebody to sign up using your link (earning you 5k points).
You can book 2 separate reservations/rooms for the same 1 night which would count as 2 stays earning you status.