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.
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Latest articles
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The best bank and credit union for you will depend on your banking needs, but in general, the best banks offer accounts with low or no minimum balance requirements and don’t charge monthly fees — or [...]
Keep fees in check when you shift money from one bank account to another.
Compound interest is a powerful force for people who want to build their savings.
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.
APYs on high-yield savings accounts remain competitive after Fed rate decision.
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
A new Bankrate analysis shows mothers earned 31 percent less in wages than fathers in 2023.
Recession risks are rising. Learn six smart savings strategies to protect your money before it hits.
JPMorgan raises recession probability to 50%. Learn five practical steps to protect your savings before economic conditions worsen.
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
The term “Trumpcession” has been popping up in headlines this week, as economists and market watchers debate whether President Trump’s economic policies could trigger a downturn. But are we actually [...]
Learn six practical ways to safeguard your finances amid economic uncertainty, from strengthening banking security to finding better rates.
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