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
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
These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
You can get a money order from many places. Here’s what you need to know.
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 [...]
Linking bank accounts is a way to make it easier to transact between the two.
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.
These accounts sound similar, but there are some key differences to know.
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.
Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.
It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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.
Many challenges still exist but advances have made earning and saving money easier.
Specific savings accounts can help disabled individuals gain financial security.
Even the small victories add up over time when you’re living on a fixed income.
Online banks offer a number of benefits, and they’re just as safe as brick-and-mortar banks.
U.S. consumers see inflation as the biggest threat to improving personal finances.
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and overspend. Here are ways to avoid that trap.
More than 3 in 5 Americans are worried about their incomes over the next six months.
The savings account has always been a time-tested standby. Here’s why it still matters.
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