The banks, big business and our Government would like to know how you’re feeling. I don’t mean they’re bothered if you’ve got a slight temperature, attack of hay fever, or hangover because you had one too many glasses of rose last night.

No, what they’re interested in, is how you’re feeling about your finances.

In other words, are you full of feel-good factor that’s going to make you splash out on a new car, holiday or pair of Louboutins?

Or, are you so worried about having enough to pay the gas bill, you’re thinking you’ll have to cut back even more this month?

The economic recovery has been limping along for a while now, so it’d be reasonable to expect we should be splurging on eating out, iPads and away days.

Erm, except we’re not. At least, not according to Halifax bank which has just done some research and found that most people don’t feel any better off than they did a year ago.

Now, I realise this isn’t exactly breaking news to those of us out here in the real world but it’s come as a bit of a shock to the people at the top of the banking ivory tower.

The price of what we buy including food, clothes, gas, electricity and rent, has gone up faster than our wages over the past few years.

And even though inflation has slowed recently, there’s still a great yawning gap which has left most of us feeling like we’ve lost a £20 note and found a fiver.

Add in the fact that more people are on temporary or zero-hours style contracts which can be cancelled with virtually no notice, the massive cost of renting or buying a home and a great dollop of debt – whether it’s student loan or credit card – and it’s no surprise some of us are being ultra-cautious with our cash.

But, despite all of that, this new Halifax survey proves that we Brits are an endearingly optimistic bunch because two thirds of us say we’re expecting things to get better in the next 12 months.

Halifax’s Anthony Warrington says consumer confidence is higher, even though we’re not feeling the love in our bank accounts.

But he warns: “Many people do not have a lot of room for manoeuvre with their finances, so it’s important to continue to monitor spending and have contingency plans, in case of unexpected bills.

“The economy may be improving gradually but people need to make sure they are protecting themselves from any financial shocks along the way.”

I guess what he’s saying is no matter how tight things are, it’s worth trying to put a bit of money aside.

It soon adds up, even if it’s only the odd £10 or £20 here and there.

Meanwhile, until the good times start to roll, keep your eyes peeled for special offers, two-for-ones and money-saving discounts.

Because let’s face it, knowing we’ve saved ourselves some dosh really does feel good.