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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.
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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.
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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.
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Financial goals are measuring sticks that apply to any area of your money management skills that you’re looking to improve.
An attractive African American female creates content with a video camera in a bright office.
Learn how deinfluencers help you save money by promoting mindful spending habits.
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Here’s how to determine what a good interest rate is on your deposit accounts.
A young girl visits a doctor.
Confused about finding an HSA? Use these tips to determine the best deal for you.
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Here are scenarios for when each choice – paying down debt or saving – makes more sense.
A little girl gets a vaccination.
Setting aside pretax dollars in an HSA can help you defray future medical costs.
Golden piggy bank and golden coins
Here’s how to save money and get the most bang for your buck.
Person Putting Coin In Piggy Bank At Table
Savers can still earn yields on deposit accounts that are outpacing inflation, even as some yields have decreased recently as banks anticipate a likely Federal Reserve rate cut in September. One such option [...]
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Whether you hope to buy a home or just rent for a while, a solid savings plan is the key to finally moving out of your parents’ house.
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