By Iona Bain

One is an unkempt comedian who looks like he needs a good shower, the other provides us with an essential income in our retirement. Yet the sex appeal of Russell Brand and pensions are equally mysterious to Brits.

According to a new survey from a puzzle magazine, other money matters which perplex us include credit card rates, why the country is in so much debt and how to buy a house.

Insurance is also a baffling area, as Brits can't understand the forms they have to fill out, why car insurance is so expensive and what the difference between life insurance and life assurance is. Other financial conundrums that made it into the top ten are converting currency and loan interest rates.

The top 50 conundrums, ten of which relate to financial issues, also include Jedward, poker and the Large Hadron Collider.

"Life is full of mysteries and everyday items and situations that we find difficult to comprehend," says a spokesman from Puzzler World.

"Whether it is the offside rule, credit card interest rates, politics or crop circles, these are things which baffle us and take us time to understand.

"Interestingly, two-thirds of us hate getting confused, but only half of us will 'sometimes' ask for help when we can't figure something out."