The amount Brits are saving this financial year is set to increase by an average of £2,000 according to new research, yet the population is missing out on millions of pounds of interest by stashing savings in current accounts and even piggy banks.

A survey by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks found that people are pledging to put more money away this year and will aim to save an average of £244.70 a month during the next financial year. Yet millions of Brits (20%) admit to keeping their savings in a current account earning no interest, and a third (30%) admit to having no idea what interest rate they’re receiving.

While 50% of Brits are managing their money more sensibly, keeping their savings in an ISA, almost one in ten (7%) admit that they are even secreting savings in their home or an old money box.

It seems that cautious Brits who are saving would rather put money away for a rainy day than save for a big purchase like a new car. The poll revealed the top three reasons why Brits are stashing away their cash this year. Saving for an emergency came out as the number one incentive, with holidays and having enough money for retirement being the next most popular motivators. Despite the escalating cost of university fees, only one in ten Brits are motivated to save money for their offspring, with nearly a quarter of parents (23%) having nothing saved up for their kids.

Nick Cann, CEO of the Institute of Financial Planning (IFP), commented on the new research, saying: “Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks’ poll revealed that the majority of people are keen to save even more this year and it’s encouraging that people are putting money away and preparing for the future.

“However, around 15% of people have less than £500 in savings and many others are not making their money work well for them, keeping savings in their current account or even in their home. We would always encourage people to seek advice on managing their money and look at ways of making their money work harder in a savings account or high interest Isa to suit their needs.”