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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.
Woman sitting on a sofa looking at her laptop
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 popular banks are available to speak with customers around-the-clock.
Planning, finance and couple with paper and laptop for budget
These joint checking accounts are ideal for sharing finances with another person.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
A woman and daughter work together
A savings account can be a great tool to teach your child about money. Here are a few of our favorites.
A Truist Financial bank branch in Miami, Florida, US
Looking for a nearby Truist Bank location or ATM? Here’s how to find the closest ones.
Currently, you can lock in annual percentage yields (APYs) on certificates of deposit (CDs) at and slightly above 4% with many nationally available CDs. Only a select few financial institutions offer promotional [...]
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It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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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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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.
Young woman using a laptop with credit card while relaxing at home
Financial goals are measuring sticks that apply to any area of your money management skills that you’re looking to improve.
If you’re looking to become a better saver, here are some tips for setting savings goals.
Fragments of five $100 bills showing Benjamin Franklin's face five times in a diamond shape.
Despite political pressure to cut rates, the Fed looks to keep them steady, for now.
A wide-angle image of the front of the Federal Reserve HQ in Washington, DC. The U.S. flag is prominently displayed on the front of the building.
Despite political pressure, the Fed is expected to maintain interest rates.
Fresh produce
With a bit of planning, you can reduce your grocery bill. Here’s how.
Person paying bills on laptop
Learn how to earn the highest interest rates on a savings account.
Younger man in his 30s paying bills on his computer, with calculator, papers, bills, coffee and a pair of glasses on the table by his side.
Tariff concerns will likely cause the Fed to hold rates steady at its July meeting.
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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.
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