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.

Envelope budgeting

Zero-based budget

Create a home budget

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.

Essential reading

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

Freshly printed $20 bills are inspected at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Would you really get paid to take out a loan?

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell at post-FOMC meeting press conference

With the U.S. economy facing a sharp recession, rock-bottom rates are expected to continue.

A water faucet leaks a drop of water

Here’s how to optimize your saving strategy in a tough economy.

The Fed will turn to new tactics that include capping yields and expanding its balance sheet.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell

The financial and economic hardship is far from over.

Customers walk past a Chase Bank branch.

Find out who’s waiving fees and helping families facing a financial hardship from the COVID-19 outbreak.

A sign stating that job placement program is closed during coronavirus pandemic.

Joblessness has surged to catastrophic levels not seen for nearly a century.

A man wearing a mask walks past the U.S. Federal Reserve building in Washington D.C.

One of the Fed’s greatest fears is a slow and grueling economic recovery.

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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.

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It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.

Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.

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.

An image of a pink piggy bank standing on top of a green and white striped rocket with smoke coming out of the end of the rocket.

Here’s everything you need to know about high-yield savings accounts.

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.

Illustrated by Bankrate

Big banks pay just 0.01% APY while online banks offer 4% or more. Your $10,000 could earn over $800 more over two years.

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The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.

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.

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High-yield savings rates fluctuate over time. Let’s explore what causes that.

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The top high-yield savings accounts are currently earning APYs of 5 percent and greater.

A woman holds a phone at an office

Savers can stash their cash in a brokerage these days to rack up returns.

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