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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.
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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

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.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
Bank of America location
Looking for a nearby Bank of America location or ATM? Here’s how to find the closest ones.
Woman studying a document and working on a laptop
Here’s how multiple savings accounts can help you reach your financial goals.
Distressed woman holding a baby looking for jobs on a laptop
Overwhelmed state unemployment offices have left Americans without aid for weeks, if not longer.
Aerial view of a group of residential boat docks from homes along the Halifax River in Ormond Beach, Florida near Daytona
Managing your finances and choosing the right bank can be daunting, especially in a state as big and diverse as Florida.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell is superimposed over the Fed Building, looking pensive
Powell is dealing with the most intense division of his eight years as Fed chair.
Illustration of a US Federal Reserve ink stamp
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
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.
Man using cell phone in living room
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.
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.
headshot of Greg McBride
It’s easy to open a savings account. Just make sure you have this information handy.
People walking back and forth in front of Capital One Bank entrance.
A CFPB lawsuit claims Capital One underpaid savings account interest by $2 billion.
A graphic of origami of a dollar bill folded to look like a piggy bank with a penny on top.
Expect savings and money market account yields to slide lower, but they still should outpace inflation
Pink piggy bank stuffed with dollar bills
Even as interest rates drop, some top-yielding savings accounts remain competitive.
Calendar of 2023
Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.
A woman shopping during the holiday season.
These holiday savings accounts are still available at many small banks and credit unions. But are they the best way to save?
The Treasury building.
The best time to cash in savings bonds depends on an investor’s life circumstances.
Female patient paying with credit card at doctor's office front desk
Here’s what you need to know about upcoming changes to Health Savings Accounts.
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