Savvy saver or spendthrift?

Consumer experts Which? have revealed only 17% of savers know exactly what interest rate they’re getting on their savings.

How much do you know about your own finances? Do you control your cash or does it control you?

We asked our readers how much they knew about their money and uncovered a few surprises for both savvy savers and spendthrifts.

Take our test and see how you do (answers and tips for improving your scores at the bottom of the page).

1. How much money is in your current account?

2. When did you last check your bank statement for errors?

3. Do you know the rate of interest on your savings account?

4. Do you know how much cash you have on you?

5. How much is the single person’s state pension?

6. Do you know how much you spent on your mobile phone last month?

7. How much does a first class stamp cost?

8. Do you know how much you are paying for energy each month?

9. What does the TV licence cost?

10. How much is the balance on your credit card?

11. How much did you pay in credit card interest last month?

12. What does it cost to tax your car?

13. How much does petrol cost per litre at the moment?

14. Do you check your supermarket receipt for mistakes?

15. Have you treated yourself recently even though you knew it would blow your budget?

Earlier this week, we gave the quiz to some of our readers and contributors…

Donald MacLeod, Sunday Post columnist

When did you last check your bank statement for errors?

I checked this week looking for generous and non refundable deposits made by my bank that would bolster my account, but again to no avail!

Do you know how much you are paying for energy each month?

A fortune, however I have taken the plunge and changed from gas to air-source heat pumps and solar which should slash my bills.

Have you treated yourself recently even though you knew it would blow your budget?

Yes, a toothbrush! Seriously though I’m not a saver so I blow my budget on a regular basis, usually holidays.

Karen Graeme, PA

When did you last check your bank statement for errors?

I check online most weeks to make sure the balance is what I think it should be.

Do you know the rate of interest on your savings account?

I don’t know the exact rate, but know it’s minimal and not worth receiving!

How much does petrol cost per litre at the moment?

About 130p for diesel petrol slightly less.

Zoe Hollands, saleswoman

Do you know how much is in your current account?

I always check my account about two weeks after I have been paid, then check what will go out before I next get paid to see: A if I can spend a little extra, or B whether I have to dip into my savings and bump it up. I wouldn’t know if there was an error unless it was huge.

How much is a first class stamp?

52p?

Do you know how much you pay for gas and electricity?

Far too much I think it is £38 per month for my gas and £55 for electricity or the other way round, maybe.

Janet Blair, housewife

Do you know how much you are paying for energy each month?

I have a direct debit set up so I know the amount I’m paying but I have no idea how much energy I’m using each month. I’ve tried to figure it out but find it far too confusing.

What does it cost to tax your car?

I got an Ecoboost Ford Fiesta last year so my road tax is zero. Brilliant!

Do you check your supermarket receipt for mistakes, and do you find any?

If I buy a meal deal I always check to make sure they’ve given me the saving as I did find one that hadn’t. A bottle of wine is great but even better when it’s free!

James Millar, Sunday Post journalist

Do you know how much money is in your current account at the moment?

Yes, and I last checked for errors last month.

How much cash do you have on you to the nearest pound?

Yes – £15

How much does a first class stamp cost?

70p?

John Barrie, graphic designer

How much does petrol cost per litre at the moment?

I’d guess around £1.32.

Do you check your supermarket receipt for mistakes, and do you find any?

Only when I get home delivery.

Have you treated yourself recently even though you knew it would blow your budget?

Yes, on a visit to Isle of Wight Festival last week.

Susan Morton, office administrator

Do you know how much money is in your current account at the moment?

To the penny. I check every statement with a fine-tooth comb.

Do you know how much you paid in credit card interest last month?

Nothing. I try to clear my balance every month to avoid interest charges.

How much does petrol cost per litre at the moment?

I don’t know exactly but it’s expensive. It costs my partner £72 a time to fill his petrol tank. Wow!

Answers, and tips for improving your score:

1. One point if you are within £100, two points if you’re within £10.

2. One point if you checked in the last year, two points in the last month. Sign up for online banking and you can check your balance whenever you want and check for mistakes. Many banks now provide free apps that make it even easier.

3. Two points if you are within 0.5 %. In most cases, you can quickly check rates online at the website of the institution concerned. Otherwise, call into your nearest branch or give them a call. Use a comparison site to see if you can get a better deal elsewhere.

4. Two points if you are within a pound.

5. £113.10. Give yourself two points if you were spot on, one point if you got within £10.

6. Two points for the exact amount, one point if you got within £5. If your contract isn’t capped, check how much you spent on your phone over the last six months. Whether it’s on a contract or pay as you go, you’re probably spending more than you think.

7. Give yourself two points if you said 62p. A second class stamp is 53p.

8. Two points if you can answer within £20.

9. It’s £145.50 for a colour licence. Two points if you knew that.

10. Two points if you can answer within £20.

11. One point if you know, two if it is zero.

12. Two points if you know, or head to www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax-rate-tables if you don’t.

13. Prices start at around 129.9p per litre for petrol, 135.5 for diesel. Two points if you got that.

14. One point if you check, two points if you’ve found a mistake in the last month.

15. Careful! Two points if you answered no.

How did you do?

30 points. Give yourself a pat on the back. You are a money maestro, totally in charge of your finances.

20 to 29. Well done, you know what you are spending and have things under control.

11 to 19. An encouraging score but there are some things you could keep a better eye on.

10 and under. Oh dear, looks like you haven’t got much idea what you are spending your money on. You should read our tips.