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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

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A Truist Financial bank branch in Miami, Florida, US
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Currently, you can lock in annual percentage yields (APYs) on certificates of deposit (CDs) at and slightly above 4% with many nationally available CDs. Only a select few financial institutions offer promotional [...]
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Checking and savings accounts are different. Should you have one, the other — or both?
These expert tips can help keep your bank and financial accounts safe from hackers.
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Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
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Learn why a bank could close your account and what to about it.
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It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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.
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.
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.
Two coworkers sharing an interaction in a nice office building
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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