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
Essential reading
5 saving strategies for financial goals
7 min read
Additional savings tips
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Save on your phone plan as inflation skyrockets
As inflation hikes, here’s a phone plan that can help you save.
4 min read Apr 06, 2022 -
5 steps to take with your money in 2022, according to personal finance experts
Here’s what personal financial experts recommend to help get your finances in shipshape in 2022.
6 min read Apr 05, 2022 -
5 ways to use your brokerage like a savings account
Savers can stash their cash in a brokerage these days to rack up returns.
7 min read Mar 30, 2022 -
11 ways women can shrink the gender pay gap to better achieve their financial goals
This stubborn problem can end up being costly, setting women back in their goals to save and invest.
8 min read Mar 08, 2022 -
Bankrate sweepstakes winners reveal plans to drop debt, save money
Sweepstakes winners used their $10,000 prize for practical (and fun) purposes.
2 min read Feb 23, 2022 -
How to start saving (even if you’re starting from scratch)
Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.
4 min read Feb 15, 2022 -
Combating the racial wealth gap: 9 money moves for individuals of color
These longer-run challenges make saving and investing all the harder.
15 min read Feb 08, 2022 -
10 ways to maximize your savings while on a fixed income
Even the small victories add up over time when you’re living on a fixed income.
4 min read Feb 01, 2022 -
7 tips to budget with an irregular income
Budgeting on an irregular income is challenging, but it’s possible. Here’s how to do it.
4 min read Jan 25, 2022 -
5 ways online banks make it easy to save
Online banks offer a number of benefits, and they’re just as safe as brick-and-mortar banks.
2 min read Jan 16, 2022 -
5 winners awarded $10,000 each in Bankrate Drop Your Debt Sweepstakes
Five winners won $10,000 each in Bankrate’s first Drop Your Debt Sweepstakes.
1 min read Jan 06, 2022 -
Survey: 2 in 3 see no boost in personal finances in 2022
U.S. consumers see inflation as the biggest threat to improving personal finances.
4 min read Dec 20, 2021 -
10 ways to save money during the holidays
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and overspend. Here are ways to avoid that trap.
4 min read Dec 06, 2021 -
Worried about your finances and job security beyond the pandemic? Here’s 7 steps to take
More than 3 in 5 Americans are worried about their incomes over the next six months.
8 min read Nov 29, 2021 -
5 tips to beat inflation and overcome shipping problems during your holiday shopping
Experts say it’s time to prepare now for an expensive gift-buying season.
5 min read Nov 26, 2021 -
Survey: More than half of Americans couldn’t cover three months of expenses with an emergency fund
The coronavirus pandemic drained Americans’ savings accounts.
5 min read Jul 21, 2021 -
Child Tax Credit: Here’s how to collect your monthly payments
The first of six monthly Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments start July 15.
7 min read Jul 14, 2021 -
Savings accounts are still an important part of your financial plan, even in a low-rate environment
The savings account has always been a time-tested standby. Here’s why it still matters.
4 min read May 21, 2021 -
Your post-pandemic financial checklist: 7 steps to manage your money for long-term success
Before making this your own version of the roaring ’20s, here’s what you may want to consider.
7 min read May 12, 2021 -
Still missing your coronavirus stimulus check? Here’s what you should do
Those taxpayers could potentially see thousands of extra dollars when they file for the Recovery Rebate Credit.
7 min read Apr 26, 2021