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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.
Young man working on finances at home. He has a laptop open and is using a calculator.
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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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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You can get a money order from many places. Here’s what you need to know.
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A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Applicants sometimes have past problems such as an unpaid negative balance [...]
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Linking bank accounts is a way to make it easier to transact between the two.
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Now that the U.S. Mint is done producing pennies, what happens to consumer prices?
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
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These accounts sound similar, but there are some key differences to know.
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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.
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Here’s the difference between APY and interest rate.
Bank teller with customer
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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These are the key differences between an FSA and an HSA, and how to choose the right one for you.
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Learn why you need to check your APY.
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Take control of your money and build a six-figure financial foundation. Here’s how.
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Start saving today with these saving accounts with no minimum deposit required.
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Here’s everything you need to know about savings accounts.
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