Budgeting basics

A budget is a spending plan that helps you understand how much money you're making and where you're spending it. A budget is the cornerstone of a strong financial plan.

Envelope budgeting

Zero-based budget

Create a home budget

Budgeting tips

A couple budgets together.

Bankrate offers 18 ideas for stretching your budget to save money.

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Understanding discretionary income can help you with your budgeting strategy.

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Our guide tackles the basics of disposable income and how you can use it to budget.

Essential reading

Calculate your savings

Use our Savings Calculator to help you quickly and accurately estimate the growth of your investment. Set a goal and figure out how much you need to save each month to hit the mark.

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Latest articles

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A new study makes a strong case for us to question the way we use financial apps.

Google's corporate campus.

Tech companies are flirting with the idea of offering checking accounts. Should you sign up?

toolbox and tools

These are the basic accounts you need to jump start your financial life.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell delivers press conference

Will it be enough to keep the economic expansion going?

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell

A rate cut seems like a given, but what’s next?

This window may even prevent bank failures and insolvency. Here’s how it works.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell hosts news conference following interest-rate decision.

Here’s what the U.S. central bank decided to do with interest rates.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell speaks to journalists at a June 19 press conference

How much of a rate cut can we expect from the Fed?

Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.

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It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.

Illustration of construction workers on a roof

An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.

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Here’s a helpful guide to how much you need in savings over the course of your life.

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Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.

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These simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.

Calendar of 2023

Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.

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Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.

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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.

Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank

Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.

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Here’s how multiple savings accounts can help you reach your financial goals.

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Top savings APYs remain above 4%, with plenty of account options to choose from.

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The best savings accounts for teenagers offer competitive rates and charge no fees.

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Here’s how much $100,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.

female soldier and her husband use a banking app to check the state of their finances

Savings APYs remain high as the Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady.

Person looking at smartphone

The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.

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