Overspending is the biggest regret of the average Americanconsumer, according to the National Foundation for CreditCounseling, a Washington-based nonprofit credit counselingorganization.

In a recent online poll conducted by the NFCC, more than 2,200participants selected their greatest feeling of financialguilt.

The majority of respondents (53%) felt that overspending wastheir chief financial regret. Other feelings of financialculpability were claimed to be a result of inadequate saving (18%),insufficient preparation for retirement (14%), not having bought ahouse (10%) and having bought a house (5%), the NFCCsaid.

“Although most people have financial regrets, it is important tonot dwell on past mistakes,” said Gail Cunningham, spokesperson forthe NFCC. “Instead, look forward and take action byconstructing a plan that recognizes the realities of the situation,repairs financial damage, and moves in a positive direction towardfinancial security.”

In another poll conducted by the NFCC inDecember, a vast majority of the respondents said they wereplanning to save more and spend less. Yet the NFCC annual surveyreleased in April found that many are saving less than they were last year.