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.
Explore banking products:
Latest articles
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.
Powell is concerned tariffs could lead to more inflation. This former Fed official has a different view.
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
Bank of America offers perks beyond basic banking, including museum passes, cash back deals and $300 new account bonuses.
CD rates may seem attractive, but in 2025’s uncertain environment, they create a lose-lose scenario that could cost you money.
APYs on high-yield savings accounts remain competitive after Fed rate decision.
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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.
The study shows that the number of Americans with less emergency savings has ballooned since the crisis began.
Here’s what a proposed tax credit for travel could mean for you.
When it comes to handling a windfall, don’t rush it. You’re going to want to make a financial plan.
Here’s how to optimize your saving strategy in a tough economy.
In case of a potential emergency, it pays to be financially prepared.
Half of those same households report having taken on more debt.
Here’s what the online bank is offering to help customers boost their savings and meet financial goals.
These common mistakes are costing us a huge chunk of change.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information