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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.

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.

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.

Latest articles

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An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
A woman does her budgeting.
The amount of money you should save each month will vary based on your goals. Here’s what to know.
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Bank consolidation often leads to lower deposit rates. Here’s what the current merger boom means for your savings and how to respond.
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The right savings strategy could put that family vacation within reach.
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A CD ladder lets savers benefit from higher rates without locking up all your money in long-term CDs.
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Here’s what other banks have to offer that you might be missing out on at yours.
A man researches online.
Looking for a place to park your savings? Here’s why a MMA might be appealing.
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Linking bank accounts is a way to make it easier to transact between the two.
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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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Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.
Man using cell phone in living room
It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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Wondering what to do when it comes to saving during a recession? Here’s what the experts have to say.
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The highest savings account rate has dipped ahead of next week’s Fed rate decision.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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Saving money isn’t just about cutting costs. Sometimes, it’s about reframing how you spend your time. Here’s how one mindset shift helped me avoid impulsive purchases and grow my savings with less [...]
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Most savers aren’t moving money despite 4 percent rates being available. This inertia could cost thousands in lost interest income.
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Fed officials indicate that interest rates will remain steady at its next meeting.
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