This year, more than ever, Americans are watching their holiday spending.

In fact, according to Consumer Reports 75% of us are planning to spend LESS money this year, than we did for Christmas 2007.

To help us all stay within our budgets, the Federal Trade Commission just released this advice.

Make a list of the people you plan to buy for, and how much you plan to spend. Then stick to it.

Shop around. A sale price isn't always the best price, so do your homework.

Read sale ads CAREFULLY. Some may say "quantities limited" or "not available at all stores." When in doubt, call the store FIRST to see if the item YOU want is still in stock.

But one get one free" or "free gift with purchase" aren't always a good deal, unless you want the item in the first place!

Keep track of your spending, write everything down in one place so you know what the TOTAL cost of your holiday spending REALLY is.

HOLIDAY HELP Consumer Alerts: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt082.shtm http://www.mymoney.gov

Save your receipts. You'll need them for returns and exchanges. Plus, you'll want to check them against your monthly statements. Report any problems to the card issuer RIGHT AWAY.

Also consider buying gifts on layaway, so you don't put all this burden on your credit cards.

Many stores are bringing layaway back these days.

And check a store's refund and exchange policy, so if the gift goes over like a lead balloon, the receiver won't be stuck with it. That’s just money wasted.