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.

Young man working on finances at home. He has a laptop open and is using a calculator.

If your discretionary income is low, you could pay $0 on your federal student loans.

Woman sitting on a sofa looking at her laptop

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.

Explore banking products:

CDs Savings Accounts MMAs Checking Accounts

Latest articles

A majority (81%) of Americans did not increase their emergency savings this year

Woman watering plants.

Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.

Here’s how to boost your savings.

Person frowning at a laptop screen with illustration of money in background

Sometimes paying an early withdrawal penalty on a CD isn’t a bad idea.

Closeup of someone counting money

The National Credit Union Administration is similar to the FDIC, which covers banks.

Illustration of an old-fashioned alarm bell ringing , hovering over a cell phone.

Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.

Person imagining a piggy bank made out of cash.

Ready to open a savings account? Here’s what you’ll need to know.

Photo of Fed Chair Jerome Powell at a podium, holding his hands up.

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at its first meeting of 2026, keeping borrowing costs in a target range of 3.5-3.75%. This decision (supported by a 10-2 vote) pauses a streak of three [...]

Illustration of construction workers on a roof

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

Man using cell phone in living room

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

Person shopping at grocery store choosing oranges in the supermarket

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

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

illustration of money growing on trees

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

Calendar of 2023

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

young woman smiling on city sidewalk

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

Young woman using a laptop with credit card while relaxing at home

Financial goals are measuring sticks that apply to any area of your money management skills that you’re looking to improve.

comical illustration of money being injected via medial equipment

Here’s what you need to know about tapping into your emergency fund.

piggy bank on a steering wheel

Take these simple steps to jumpstart your savings plan for a new car.

A Capital One bank branch in Manhattan in New York

The CFPB dropped its lawsuit alleging Capital One cheated customers out of interest.

Person working on a computer on an office couch and drinking tea

Here’s the difference between APY and interest rate.

Bank teller with customer

It’s possible to negotiate a higher-yielding savings account at your bank.

BIPOC woman meeting with female financial advisor

Finding the right savings account consists of comparing rates, fees and more.

couple at pharmacy

These are the key differences between an FSA and an HSA, and how to choose the right one for you.

Person working at table with computer, drinking coffee and looking at smartphone

Learn why you need to check your APY.

The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information