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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.
Young man working on finances at home. He has a laptop open and is using a calculator.
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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Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
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Deposit accounts like high-yield savings accounts or high-yield checking accounts can be powerful tools for growing your money — but the headline rate you see advertised isn’t always the rate you’ll [...]
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$10,000 high-yield savings vs. $10,000 money market account: Here’s which earns more
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If you’re looking for a new bank here’s how to transfer accounts and avoid problems.
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Knowing your ATM withdrawal limits can make a sudden need for cash easier to handle.
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Although it depends, be mindful of the CD’s terms and how it meets your money goals.
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Worried that your high-yield savings APY isn’t so high? Here’s how to stay on top.
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Ready to open a savings account? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
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It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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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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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.
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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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It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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Here’s how much $10,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
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For many of us, saving money feels like an uphill battle.
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Here’s how multiple savings accounts can help you reach your financial goals.
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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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