Banking
Take the 52-week money challenge: What it is and how to do it
4 min read
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
Bankrate offers 18 ideas for stretching your budget to save money.
If your discretionary income is low, you could pay $0 on your federal student loans.
Our guide tackles the basics of disposable income and how you can use it to budget.
Essential reading
How to start (and build) an emergency fund
11 min read
The best places to keep your emergency fund
6 min read
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.
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Latest articles
Take a look at the days when CDs were offering investors double-digit returns.
These are the 10 largest credit unions in the United States based on assets.
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
The best bank and credit union for you will depend on your banking needs, but in general, the best banks offer accounts with low or no minimum balance requirements and don’t charge monthly fees — or [...]
High-yield savings rates fluctuate over time. Let’s explore what causes that.
The top high-yield savings accounts are currently earning APYs of 5 percent and greater.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Setting up direct deposit is typically easy and can save you a lot of time. Here’s how.
Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.
Here’s a helpful guide to how much you need in savings over the course of your life.
Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.
Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.
Financial goals are measuring sticks that apply to any area of your money management skills that you’re looking to improve.
The Fed continues to signal lowering rates later this month. Here’s how to prepare.
$10,000 high-yield savings vs. $10,000 money market account: Here’s which earns more
Worried that your high-yield savings APY isn’t so high? Here’s how to stay on top.
As the Fed hints at lowering interest rates, here’s how to prepare when rates fall.
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
The Fed has kept interest rates steady so far in 2025, but that might change soon.
Competitive rates, fewer fees, and convenience are all reasons to consider online banking.
As the Fed holds interest rates steady, savers still have time to lock in top rates.
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