A new report from Alliance Trust has suggested that consumer spending may remain weak in the coming months, despite improving financial situations amongst consumers.

In the second quarter of 2009, Alliance Trust`s Financial Reality Index – an ongoing measure of consumers` financial wellbeing – showed an improvement for the second quarter in a row, taking the Index to its highest level since the first quarter of 2008.

But Shona Dobbie, Head of Alliance Trust Research, warned that although conditions are starting to ease, consumers remain under “significant pressure” and are likely to rein in spending as a result.

A debt expert for Think Money said: “Although we are seeing the early signs of an economic recovery, many people will still be concerned about running into debt problems and other financial difficulties in the months ahead.

“We advise consumers to remain cautious for the time being, and only take on debts if they are certain they can afford the repayments. Anyone who finds themselves struggling should not hesitate to seek professional debt advice.”