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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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If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
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Check out the 13 different types of checking accounts.
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Completing a money order requires just a few simple steps. Here’s how.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
The Federal Reserve announced that it’s holding interest rates steady following its March 18-19 meeting.
Photo of Fed Chair Jerome Powell at a podium, holding his hands up.
The Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds rate by 25 basis points on Wednesday at the conclusion of its September meeting, marking the central bank’s first rate cut this year. For savers, that’s [...]
Women using digital tablet to check her finances at home office
For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed lowers interest rates.
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Take a look at the days when CDs were offering investors double-digit returns.
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Rate cuts usually help your budget. This time, the impact may be barely noticeable.
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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.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
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The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.
Image by GettyImages, Illustrated by Bankrate
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
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Here’s how much $100,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
A majority (81%) of Americans did not increase their emergency savings this year
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Most people know they should save. But understanding why can make the habit stick. Saving isn’t just about “being responsible” — it’s about control, opportunity, and peace of mind. Here are seven [...]
Mother and daughter
A savings account is a good tool for teaching children financial basics and responsibility.
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Saving for your grandchildren can help to minimize the financial burdens they face down the road.
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