THESE DAYS, THE Irish nation is in the happy – and very thrifty – position of saving more than we’re borrowing.

According to the most recent Central Bank figures for 2017, Irish banks currently hold €8bn more saving deposits than loans, compared to a massive €72.6bn more loans than deposits back in 2008.

For some of us, the word ‘saving’ means squirreling away a tenner here and there. For others, it can mean monthly deposits to a savings account.

Then of course, there are those for whom saving is a way of life. You name it – Communion money, scratch card winnings, 18th birthday money – they’ve stored it away for a rainy day.

So what kind of saver are you? Do you still have the €15 you got for coming third in the school debating competition back in 1993? Or do you prefer to live more of an in-the-moment existence that just about sees you through until next payday?

We reckon we can figure your savings persona out with a few simple questions. Here goes…

1. First up, do you have a savings account separate to your current account?

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Yes

No

2. How do you keep track of your spending?

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I don't, I just spend as I need to

I try to stick to a monthly budget

I use an app to track everything

3. If you have a credit card, what's your approach to paying it off?

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I pay it off in full each month

I pay the minimum required amount each month

It really depends on the month

I don't have a credit card

4. You've had a tough week and deserve a little treat. How much money would you consider spending as a 'splurge'?

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€10

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€50

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€100

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The limit does not exist

5. What one word best describes your feelings about your finances?

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Confident

Determined

Anxious

Neutral

6. Your car breaks down, and you're suddenly landed with a €550 bill. What's your first thought?

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I'll have to dip into my savings.

Well, there goes the rest of my paycheck.

Who on earth is going to lend me €550?

If you have an overdraft, how often do you dip into it?

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Every couple of months. It's a good buffer

Never. It's only for extreme emergencies

Oh, I'm always in my overdraft

I don't have an overdraft

8. If someone gave you €100 right now, what would you do with it?

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Buy myself something special

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Take someone out for a fancy dinner

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Give it to charity

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Lodge it in the bank, duh

Answer all the questions to see your result!

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You scored out of !

You're as thrifty as they come

Hey, big saver. Putting money away is second nature to you, and you rest easy knowing there's a little nest egg to hand in case you ever need it. Want a simple way to save more this Winter? Read on...

Share your result:

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You scored out of !

You're a pretty good saver, but you like to spend too

What good is saving money if you don't treat yourself every once in a while? You have a give-and-take attitude to your saving, and don't mind dipping into your stash every once in a while. Want a simple way to save more this Winter? Read on...

Share your result:

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You scored out of !

You're more of a big spender than a saver

Forget a nest egg, you're happy if you end up with more than a tenner left by the end of the month. Want a simple way to add to your savings, without curbing your spending? Read on...

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