The holidays are right around the corner, and from travel to gifts to entertaining family and friends, there's a lot to budget for. Here are some ways to shop savvy and save this season. If you're looking to get ahead of holiday travel, consider booking in advance to offset the costs of airline and lodging. Monitor travel websites to see when flights are dipping in price or check your schedule to see if you can travel during weekdays rather than peak travel days. Also, get ahead on travel costs by using cash back rewards from your credit cards towards your family's needs, whether those are last-minute toiletries or extra snacks for a long road trip. Take advantage of the great benefits that cash back credit cards, like Chase Freedom Flex , can offer you, whether you're grocery shopping because you're in charge of cooking for the holiday festivities or fueling up before a long road trip to see family. And by using your card throughout the year on everyday purchases, you'll always earn as you spend. Other ways you can use your cash back this holiday season include flying in a grandparent as a surprise on Thanksgiving or helping to offset the cost of hosting relatives during the holidays. And don't forget that in addition to cash back rewards, your credit card may offer benefits like purchase protection or extended warranty protection on gifts purchased for friends and family this holiday season. Other ways to be a savvy spender this holiday season? Make DIY decorations, set a realistic budget for holiday needs, or take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. If your credit card offers cash back as a reward, you'll earn cash back on all these purchases. Ev en better? Take advantage of other redemption opportunities, such as gift cards to your family member's favorite store. Beyond the holiday season, take advantage of all of your credit card rewards and benefits, including earning cash back. It can help take the sting out of rising costs on everyday essentials from groceries to gas. If you don't have a rewards card, consider opening a Chase Freedom Unlimited or Freedom Flex cash back credit card. The best part? In addition to 5% cash back on up to $12,000 gas station and grocery purchases within the first year, new cardmembers earn a $200 welcome bonus. To learn more about how to start earning rewards and cash back for the upcoming holiday season, visit creditcards.chase.com
