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.

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Our guide tackles the basics of disposable income and how you can use it to budget.

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

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Several banks continue to offer savings accounts well above 4 percent APY.

Design element with Jerome Powell

Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.

Jerome Powell, chair of the US Federal Reserve, during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.

The Fed has now gone six months without cutting interest rates.

Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision

This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.

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These options are great places to stash money from a bonus, inheritance and more.

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Your money doesn’t just sit in the bank. Here’s what it’s been up to.

An image depicting parents and a small child sitting at a table with an open laptop, papers, and a calculator sitting on top of it. There is a large compass behind the parents and an arrow pointed to the upper right of the image.

High tariffs will make it harder for parents to afford the necessities — but don’t panic.

Older man with glasses sits on a couch next to a younger woman with curly hair. They are looking at official paperwork on a coffee table that also contains a calculator. There is an image of a large compass behind their heads and an blue arrow pointing from lower left to upper right.

Economic uncertainty is making it harder for low-income Americans save.

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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.

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

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Interest is the price you pay to borrow money or the cost you charge to lend money.

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Setting aside pretax dollars in an HSA can help you defray future medical costs.

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How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.

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Here’s how much $10,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.

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Single people and young families tend to have significantly less saved.

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Experian’s new savings account has a yield based on membership tier and no minimum deposit.

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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.

The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information