The Federal Reserve Board begins a two-day policy-setting session Tuesday and the Fed is expected to keep interest rates low. El Pasoans whom KFOX talked to expressed interest in taking advantage of those low rates.

As many across the Borderland finish up with their Christmas shopping, they're making sure they're getting the most for their dollar.

"Getting bargains makes the day better,” said Maria Pantoja, who began buying gifts in October. “Your money lasts a little longer for the family gifts."

President Barack Obama stepped in this week to urge top bank executives to offer more loans and modify mortgages to aid the economic recovery.

"America's banks received extraordinary assistance from American taxpayers to rebuild their industry, and now that they're on their feet, we expect an extraordinary commitment from them to help rebuild our economy," Obama said after meeting with bank executives.

This comes as the Federal Reserve expects to leave interest rates at a record low this week in an effort to persuade consumers and businesses alike to borrow and pump up the economy.

"If the banks keep their interest rates low I will be glad to get a loan, so I can continue doing my Christmas shopping," said west El Pasoan Charles Joyce, a father of four.

Reports indicate the Fed will keep its bank lending rate at zero to .25 percent.