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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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Take a look at the days when CDs were offering investors double-digit returns.
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These are the 10 largest credit unions in the United States based on assets.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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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 [...]
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High-yield savings rates fluctuate over time. Let’s explore what causes that.
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The top high-yield savings accounts are currently earning APYs of 5 percent and greater.
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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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Setting up direct deposit is typically easy and can save you a lot of time. Here’s how.
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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.
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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.
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Here’s a helpful guide to how much you need in savings over the course of your life.
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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.
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Top APYs on high-yield savings are above 4%, despite a recent U.S. credit downgrade.
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Top high-yielding savings accounts continue to handily outpace inflation.
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APYs on high-yield savings accounts remain competitive after Fed rate decision.
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A new Bankrate analysis shows mothers earned 31 percent less in wages than fathers in 2023.
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JPMorgan raises recession probability to 50%. Learn five practical steps to protect your savings before economic conditions worsen.
Image by Getty Images, Illustration by Bankrate
Recession risks are rising. Learn six smart savings strategies to protect your money before it hits.
Image by Getty Images, Illustration by Bankrate
Learn six practical ways to safeguard your finances amid economic uncertainty, from strengthening banking security to finding better rates.
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High-yield savings accounts remain a strong option for savers…for now.
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