Southwest Rapid Rewards - Strategy for utilising expiring RR 1.x credits

I have 9.5 credits from RR 1.0 that expire end of the year - they're staggered over the next few months starting in Aug. If I combine them with some RR 2.0 points I have, I'm short of an award ticket by abt 6000 pts.

What is my best strategy to not lose the credits and/or the award ? Should I just buy the extra points and convert into an award ticket NOW. I have a trip or two coming up this year and early next, so I will use it.

Should I just buy the extra points and convert into an award ticket NOW. I have a trip or two coming up this year and early next, so I will use it.

For 6000 points, I would buy them. You are too late for most of the lower-cost options such as shopping (where Ink is the expert).

See also http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/southwest-rapid-rewards/1280180-cp-crunch-time-suggestions.html for techniques to quickly boost your points balance.