When asked about savings accounts many consumers will maintain they have more pressing concerns than stashing away hard-earned cash - particularly during times of economic difficulty when budgets have to be stretched as thin as possible.

And while that reaction is entirely understandable, financial experts insist that getting into the habit of regularly putting something aside will inevitably have a profound impact on long-term wealth prospects.

So whatever you're after - an emergency fund, a nest-egg for your future, or simply somewhere you can watch your money grow - the first port of call should invariably be your selection of a suitable savings account.

The first-such type is an Instant / Easy Access account, which basically does exactly what it says on the tin.

These accounts can usually be opened with as little as £1 and they offer quick and convenient access to your savings - embodying the traditional 'deposit-based' nature of savings accounts which keep money firmly within your reach, made even more convenient if you opt for an online savings account.

Next up are Notice account. These tend to require a larger initial deposit - typically in the region of a few hundred pounds - and they also entail a so-called 'notice period' (anywhere from 30 to 120 days) before you can access your money.

Of course your funds belong to you and anyone who finds themselves in desperate need of some quick cash can always unlock their account - but not without having a hefty penalty slapped on them for the privilege.

Moving further down the flexibility scale, we have Regular Deposit accounts. As their name suggests, these types of accounts place a requirement on savers to deposit a minimum amount of money each month. However, when you open such an account you can choose to make it either East Access or Notice, so they can still be suitable for people who envisage needing to make the occasional unexpected withdrawal.

Bonds or Term accounts, meanwhile, offer the least traditional type of deposit-based savings, essentially serving as investments which offer very little leeway in terms of accessibility - with some even prohibiting withdrawals for as long as five years.

There are numerous more niche accounts such as Fixed Rate deals and ISAs, but taking the above categories as a broad overview of the market you should now be in a position to identify which one is right for you - factoring in a simple analysis of your personal circumstances, of course.

The best savings rates will invariably come with the accounts that are most difficult to access - but how likely is it you'll end up making an impromptu withdrawal and incurring the penalties that come with it? Furthermore, what time period are you looking to save for - a matter of years, or a lifetime?

Finally - and perhaps most crucially of all - are you even in a position to save?

Everyone enjoys watching their wealth grow as they advance through life, but fail to pay off high-interest debts first and in real terms you'll be hoarding little more than a chest full of fool's gold.