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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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Savers can stash their cash in a brokerage these days to rack up returns.
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Looking to use Zelle for a transfer? Here are the Zelle limits at various banks.
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Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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As the old saying goes: “Everything is bigger in Texas.” And that’s also true of your list of options when choosing a bank or credit union in the state.
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If you’re looking to save with a credit union, here are the top rates available.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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Interest is the price you pay to borrow money or the cost you charge to lend money.
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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.
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.
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As the old saying goes: What goes up, must come down. But in the case of annual percentage yields (APYs), we might have a bit more air time. While APYs on deposit accounts may have come down from their [...]
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After facing a rent increase, I’m moving to Washington, D.C. to save $24,000 over two years.
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Here’s what you need to know about tapping into your emergency fund.
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Take these simple steps to jumpstart your savings plan for a new car.
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The CFPB dropped its lawsuit alleging Capital One cheated customers out of interest.
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Here’s the difference between APY and interest rate.
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It’s possible to negotiate a higher-yielding savings account at your bank.
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Finding the right savings account consists of comparing rates, fees and more.
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