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.

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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Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.

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A CFPB lawsuit claims Capital One underpaid savings account interest by $2 billion.

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Illustration of construction workers on a roof

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

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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.

illustration of money growing on trees

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

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

Young man choosing oranges in the supermarket

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

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

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If you’re looking to become a better saver, here are some tips for setting savings goals.

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Here are five ways automatic transfers can make growing your savings easy.

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

family financial planning

Here’s how to boost your savings.

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New Bankrate data shows the economy is making it harder for Americans to save.

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Here are ways to save money and improve financial health in times of inflation.

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Having multiple bank accounts has its perks but keeping them organized is key.

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