If you are you dreaming of an inheritance and thinking your elders are planning to leave you a little nest egg then you may need to think again.

A survey by a county firm of financial experts suggests the prevailing attitude currently is to 'live for today' - or in other words, spend it while you can enjoy it.

Apparently almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of the UK admit this is how they are approaching their finances with three out of four (76 per cent) ranking inheritance for their kids as their lowest priority.

The poll, by Gloucestershire-based Hazlewoods, the chartered accountants and business advisers, asked the public whether they felt it was more important to have enough money to live the lifestyle they choose now, to be in a financial position to choose the best care for themselves and their partner in old age, or to leave a decent inheritance for their children.

Almost one in three (31 per cent) men said their top priority was having enough to fund their care in old age, compared to one in four (25 per cent) women.

Eleven per cent of women said leaving money for their children was their priority, compared to just five per cent of men.

Having enough money to enjoy life now was highest (73 per cent) among the youngest polled, (18 to 24-year-olds) swiftly followed by the oldest 65-plus age group (70 per cent).

It was lowest among the more cautious middle-aged, 45 to 54-year-olds (59 per cent).

More than one in three (35 per cent) of 55 to 64-year-olds said being able to make financial choices about care in their old age is their top priority.

When it comes to planning their financial inheritance, just eight per cent of the population listed this as their key priority. It was highest (15 per cent) among 35 to 44-year-olds.

According to Nicholas Smail, tax partner at Hazlewoods, some careful financial advice was also allowing business people to enjoy some of their spoils today and in the future too.