The recession has caused many people to rethink their spending habits. Hardly a day goes by without a report highlighting how consumers are looking for ways to conserve cash. But when the economy improves, will people still hold onto their newfound principles and save money?

Donna Every, a financial planner and author of the book "What Do You Have in Your House?" thinks they will. Many frugal habits are here to stay because consumers will find that they are smart and easy to accomplish, she says.

"People are deciding that it makes economic sense to be more content with the possessions they already have instead of buying something new. And if consumers don't need to spend as much money, they'll be able to save more," she says.

Here are five ways that experts say the recession may cause long-term changes in how we handle our personal finances and save money.