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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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Coins sitting around in an overloaded jar could be put to better use. Here’s how.
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Knowing bank holiday schedules can help you avoid delays on necessary transactions.
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Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks to decide if a credit union is right for you.
Capital One Bank signage in New York City
Banks are cutting overdraft fees in response to consumers and regulators’ demands.
Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
A man looking at a comically large stack of cash
This type of account can offer a low-risk way to earn a high yield.
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A money market account is like a parking spot for cash, but with a few guardrails.
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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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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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Tariff concerns will likely cause the Fed to hold rates steady at its July meeting.
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Here’s how multiple savings accounts can help you reach your financial goals.
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Top savings APYs remain above 4%, with plenty of account options to choose from.
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The best savings accounts for teenagers offer competitive rates and charge no fees.
Someone watering a plant that grows cash
Here’s how much $100,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
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Savings APYs remain high as the Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady.
Person looking at smartphone
The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.
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Banks have been loudly touting their multi-billion-dollar investments in artificial intelligence as a breakthrough for consumers. CEOs speak at conferences about AI-powered personalization. Marketing departments [...]
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