According to Junior Achievement's 2008 Teen Holiday Spending Poll, more than three-quarters of teens surveyed (76 percent) plan to spend as much -- or more -- this year than last year on holiday gifts.

Are teens looking at the economy through rose-colored glasses, or has the impact of the current financial crisis not yet trickled down to their wallets? The results of the poll may reveal a disconnect between teens' expectations and the reality that many families have to curtail spending on gifts this year.

The 2008 Teen Holiday Spending Poll's other key findings revealed that 47 percent of teens surveyed said they'd spend at least $100 on gifts, a 4 percent increase over last year. And, of those who said they'd spend at least some money on holiday gifts, 87 percent said they'd use their own money, 49 percent said they'd use money given to them by a parent, 19 percent said they'd use their parents' debit or credit card, and 16 percent said they'd use their own debit or credit card (multiple responses were permitted).

Jack E. Kosakowski, president of Junior Achievement USA, noted, "Given the current state of the economy, the holiday shopping season provides an ideal opportunity for parents to talk to their children about appropriate budgeting and spending, so that they are staying within their financial means. Junior Achievement programs can also provide young people with practical financial tools so that they understand how to appropriately save, spend and invest."

Among teens who said they would spend less this year or not spend any money on gifts, 71 percent said they were trying to save money, 48 percent cited concern about the state of the U.S. economy, and 41 percent cited a change in their family's financial circumstances (multiple responses were permitted).