The New Year seems to have brought with it new optimism over the savings market, if new figures are to be believed.

Statistics from NS&I show that 27 per cent of people are more likely to put money aside over the next 12 months than they did in 2009.

The company believes that recent reports in the media of an economic upturn could be fuelling people's desire to focus more on their future finances.

"Improving prospects in 2010 may be one reason, or it could be that people are taking the new year as an opportunity to review and refresh their finances and to increase their savings to boost their financial security," suggested Tim Mack, spokesperson for NS&I savings.

The findings revealed that men are keener to save than women, as nearly a third of males (30 per cent) said they will put money aside over the course of the next year.

This marks an increase from 25 per cent in autumn 2008 and a six per cent advantage over women, of whom 24 per cent expect they will save more.

It is also the first time since spring 2008 that men have pledged to put more money away.

People in the south-west of the country were revealed by NS&I to be the least optimistic, while those in London, Wales, East Anglia and the north-east of England are the most forward-thinking.

This follows the results of a recent survey from the Payments Council, which discovered that people who live in the south-east are the most likely to own a plastic card.

Meanwhile, those in the west Midlands are least likely to have a debit or credit card.

It also confirmed the idea that internet banking is increasing in popularity, while cheque usage is in decline.