There's no doubt that Americans are going to (or should) spend less money this holiday season on gifts for family, friends and business associates. That's good news in our opinion.

Another piece of good news? Less will be charged on credit cards this holiday season as more people report using cash!

If you are giving gifts this year, we have a few money-themed gift ideas that will keep giving long past the holidays. From the fun to the practical to educational, these gifts will help your loved ones get money smart in the new year!

Money Software:

Quicken Deluxe 2010...organize your finances!

This software can show you where you're spending and helps you see where to save...brings your accounts together all in one place, helps you to both set budgeting and savings goals and stay on top of bills and avoid late fees with alerts on upcoming payments.

Turbo-Tax Deluxe Edition

Who doesn't appreciate help with filing their taxes? For anyone who does their own taxes, this program helps ensure that you get every tax deduction to which you are entitled.

Recommended Reading--Money Books

• Paying For College Without Going Broke - 2010 edition by Kalman A. Chany. This is a SUPER gift for high school juniors and seniors and their parents!
• Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel
• One Up On Wall Street by Peter Lynch--a classic that always makes our list!
• The Teens Guide to Personal Finance by Holmberg and Bruzzese

Finances Can be Fun!  Give Monopoly Tycoon

The Monopoly Tycoon game is the traditional fantasy of "owning it all" taken to the next level. You have nothing but your inheritance and a dream to acquire wealth by buying and developing the Monopoly properties you know and love. Plan, invest, build and bankrupt your opponents all in a real-time 3D environment populated by hundreds of citizens who rent your apartments and buy from your businesses.

Investments:

One share of stock. What a wonderful way to get a youngster interested in learning about investing! Check it out at www.firstshare.com.

EE U.S. Savings Bond.  Pay $50 now and the bond you give matures at $100...nice deal! Best yet, it's easy to do at www.treasurydirect.gov.

Read More In: Family & Money Invest Wisely