7 uncommon ways to save for the holidays

Using credit cards has its advantages -- and if you have been using them throughout the year, make sure they are low-cost cards that offer rewards points. One way to save money is to use up these accumulated points to buy gifts for the holiday season.

Sarah Caron, writer of "Sarah's Cucina Bella" blog, says she and her husband plan ahead and put bigger purchases on their credit card during the year. That way, they pay it off and still earn the points.

"It usually amounts to several hundred dollars in gift cards for different stores that we use to purchase gifts," Caron says.

Tyler Tervooren, author of the "Advanced Riskology" blog, agrees. "My strategy this year to save was to target my credit card spending and only use high rewards-earning cards that I can then take points, miles or cash back to pay for fun holiday expenses," he says.