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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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Amid today’s high cost of living, some are making temporary cuts to “fun” spending.
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New Bankrate data shows money is the No. 1 factor negatively impacting mental health.
Illustrated by Bankrate
Big banks pay just 0.01% APY while online banks offer 4.4%. Your $10,000 could earn $897 more over two years. Learn how to switch without changing banks.
A check-cashing store.
If you don’t have a bank account, check-cashing services offer access to your money, at a cost.
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Digital banking makes it easy to access your personal finances from anywhere.
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Here’s how you can open a checking account online, in three steps.
A portly white male wearing sunglasses is relaxing on his hammock outside, smiling in the sun holding a debit card in one hand and a smart phone in the other.
Customer satisfaction is up at banks and credit unions, but fees are still an issue.
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Here’s a guide to saving $10,000 in one year to make yourself more financially secure.
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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.
A little girl gets a vaccination.
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.
Smiling father holds smiling daughter on his lap while looking at a computer
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.
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