Holiday Shopping Strategies to Savor the Season

WILMINGTON, DE--(Marketwired - Nov 19, 2013) - Chase Freedom has teamed up with HGTV Designer Casey Noble to equip holiday revelers with the tips and tools they need to spend smart and savor the season. Whether shopping, celebrating or sprucing up the home, Casey recommends a game plan to help save time and money.

"It really is all about being organized, planning ahead, and being a smart shopper. Really, step one for me is creating a budget. It's so easy to do these days. You can download an app onto your phone, you can go online, make your own spreadsheet, but figure out a budget for yourself that you can stick to throughout the holidays. It'll give you such peace of mind. You'll feel in control, which is key."

Top tips to consider this season include:

• GET ORGANIZED: Detailed lists can help to track deals and purchases to ensure shoppers don't over-buy. Also, tracking against family and friends' online "wish lists" can keep searching to a minimum.
• PAMPER PALS: When shopping on a budget, pamper a group of friends or colleagues with thoughtful treats. The key is to find small yet indulgent luxuries, like designer nail polish or quality leather luggage tags.
• MAKE MEMORIES: Consider giving gifts that keep the spirit of the holidays alive year-round -- games to play time and again with friends, or family-friendly recipe books that bring everyone together in the kitchen.
• ENTERTAIN HONESTLY: Rather than striving for perfect at the expense of having fun, create a relaxing environment for family, friends and guests to enjoy the spirit of the holiday.
• MORE IS MORE: When it comes to holiday decor, 'more is more!' This is the one time of year to go over the top. To avoid a home dripping in ornaments, pick a few focal points -- like the mantle or foyer -- and concentrate efforts there to create signature holiday moments.

Chase Freedom cardholders can reward themselves when shopping this holiday season. Now through December 31, Chase Freedom cardholders can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases from Amazon.com and select department stores when activating by December 15. Chase Freedom cardholders also receive an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. For more information or to activate, visit www.chase.com/freedom. Additional holiday tips brought to you by Chase Freedom are available from HGTV.

About Chase
Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.5 trillion and operations in more than 60 countries. Chase serves more than 50 million consumers and four million small businesses through more than 5,500 bank branches, 17,500 ATMs, credit cards, mortgage offices, and online and mobile banking as well as through relationships with auto dealerships. More information about Chase is available at www.chase.com and @Chase. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.