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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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These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
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Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
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You can get a money order from many places. Here’s what you need to know.
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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 [...]
Artistic rendering of a Bank building attached to unrealistically large chains
Linking bank accounts is a way to make it easier to transact between the two.
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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.
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These accounts sound similar, but there are some key differences to know.
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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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Several banks continue to offer savings accounts well above 4 percent APY.
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These options are great places to stash money from a bonus, inheritance and more.
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Here’s how much $10,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
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Inflation can eat away at your purchasing power, if you’re not keeping up with it.
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Several banks are offering high-yield savings accounts well above 4 percent APY.
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More than half of Americans also say the U.S. economy is on the wrong track.
Man using cell phone in living room
It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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Wondering what to do when it comes to saving during a recession? Here’s what the experts have to say.
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