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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

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Here’s how multiple savings accounts can help you reach your financial goals.
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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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How much money you keep at home depends on your personal situation, including your need for cash in everyday life as well as in an emergency situation. Elliot Pepper, CPA, CFP, MST, financial planner and [...]
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These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
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Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
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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.
young woman smiling on city sidewalk
Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.
woman looking tired at computer
Here’s how to financially prepare for the possibility of sudden unemployment.
Travel Tourist Happy Woman Running Stairs
Learn how the ‘soft saving’ trend could affect your savings and retirement.
The most common sign of financial success is living comfortably, Americans say.
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Now might be the time to dust off those paper bonds and cash them in. Here’s what you need to know.
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Recent Bankrate data shows that young people are the ones most optimistic about their finances.
Senior tourist couple discovering missing wallet
Losing your wallet can be reduced to a minor inconvenience if you know what to do.
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Online banks typically offer savings accounts with much higher yields than brick-and-mortar banks.
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