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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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Understanding discretionary income can help you with your budgeting strategy.
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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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If you’re looking to save with a credit union, here are the top rates available.
Piggy bank with cash overflowing
Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
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Being scammed can have devastating effects on your finances. Here’s how to stop it.
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Protecting your financial data can help keep your money safe from fraudsters.
A bank building with a large gold medal hanging from it
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 [...]
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Keep fees in check when you shift money from one bank account to another.
A person calculates interest.
Compound interest is a powerful force for people who want to build their savings.
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Here’s a helpful guide to how much you need in savings over the course of your life.
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Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.
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It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
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These simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.
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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Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.
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APYs on high-yield savings accounts remain competitive after Fed rate decision.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Woman working from home with a child in the background
A new Bankrate analysis shows mothers earned 31 percent less in wages than fathers in 2023.
Image by Getty Images, Illustration by Bankrate
Recession risks are rising. Learn six smart savings strategies to protect your money before it hits.
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JPMorgan raises recession probability to 50%. Learn five practical steps to protect your savings before economic conditions worsen.
Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
President Trump with a frown on his face
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 [...]
Image by Getty Images, Illustration by Bankrate
Learn six practical ways to safeguard your finances amid economic uncertainty, from strengthening banking security to finding better rates.
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