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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.
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.

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

A large pile of cash next to a padlock
A one-year CD can be a safe and worthwhile option, especially turning to high-yielding online banks or credit unions.
A graph showing an upward trend from 2025 to 2026. The trendline is made of cash
If you have $10,000 to invest in a CD right now, here’s how much you could earn.
Illustration of cash under a beach umbrella
Here’s how much $10,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
A person takes a picture of a check.
Depositing a check using a smartphone is easy and can save you a trip to the bank.
Young woman using an ATM
Here’s how to find the nearest ATM in MoneyPass’s fee-free ATM network.
Fantasy image of a robot hand holding a phone with real cash falling out of the screen
For many of us, saving money feels like an uphill battle.
a chase bank in washington dc
Looking for a nearby Chase Bank location or ATM? Here’s how to find the closest ones.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a news conference.
Rates are falling, and finance pros say it may be time for Americans to rethink some strategies.
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Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.
Illustration of construction workers on a roof
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
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 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.
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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.
Whimsical illustration of a plant growing out of a jar full of coins
Even small contributions to savings can substantially add up — if you give it time.
Woman working on finances during the holiday season
There are savings opportunities in the current interest rate environment.
Young couple happily looking at financial documents
They don’t call it high yield for no reason. Here’s how to boost your savings.
Casual businesswoman making some notes while sitting at desk and working from home
As APYs hit 5 percent, now’s the time to consider higher yielding savings accounts.
Young bank teller counting money as her supervisor watches
You’ll need a SWIFT code for international wire transfers. Here’s how to find one.
Young professional having a casual conversation at work
Want to avoid common savings missteps? Find out what people do at every age that hurts their financial goals.
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Here’s what you need to do to become a credit union member.
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These strategies will help you manage multiple income streams.
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