The current economic climate should give a greater incentive for people to plan for their financial futures, it has been said.

Caroline Anstee, director of elementsifa.co.uk, believes financial planning is a must and that people should avoid splashing out on large purchases.

"People are also more cautious about committing to financial plans at the moment like saving into an Isa for the next five years," she continued, suggesting that confidence is yet to be restored to the wider market.

Looking to the long-term future can make savers feel more assured of their actions, noted Ms Anstee, who believes they will be able to plan where they will be at financially in ten or 15 years.

Research from NS&I recently found that the recession has caused almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of Britons to be more aware of their finances and look after their accounts more closely.

More than two fifths (41 per cent) of those who have children are more confident of their exact financial circumstances, compared to 48 per cent of those without.