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.
Discretionary income: Definition, how to calculate it and how it impacts your budget
Personal Finance
Understanding discretionary income can help you with your budgeting strategy.
Our guide tackles the basics of disposable income and how you can use it to budget.
Essential reading
The best places to keep your emergency fund
8 min read
How to start (and build) an emergency fund
11 min read
12 ways to save money every day
7 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
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
These joint checking accounts are ideal for sharing finances with another person.
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
Here’s a helpful guide to how much you need in savings over the course of your life.
Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.
It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
These simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.
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.
Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.
Learn six practical ways to safeguard your finances amid economic uncertainty, from strengthening banking security to finding better rates.
High-yield savings accounts remain a strong option for savers…for now.
Big banks pay just 0.01% APY while online banks offer 4.4%. Your $10,000 could earn $897 more over two years. Learn how to switch without changing banks.
Here’s a guide to saving $10,000 in one year to make yourself more financially secure.
Bankrate recaps the week in savings accounts and analyzes where rates are headed.
It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
Single people and young families tend to have significantly less saved.
Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.
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