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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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Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
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Online banks come with incentives that you may not know about, and might make one the best choice for your needs.
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Here’s what to know about the checking and savings account alternative.
man working on tax forms with calculator
Looking to score more tax deductions? IRA CDs might be for you.
Woman doing financial paperwork
Better to let a CD automatically renew or cash it in? Here’s a guide for those looking to renew.
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Cashier’s and certified checks share the same objective, but there are differences.
Fragments of five $100 bills showing Benjamin Franklin's face five times in a diamond shape.
Despite political pressure to cut rates, the Fed looks to keep them steady, for now.
Image of Jerome Powell above the Federal Reserve Building.
A July rate cut may be off the table, but could a cut in September still be in play?
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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 [...]
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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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