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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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Here’s how multicurrency accounts work and who may want to consider one.
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Being scammed can have devastating effects on your finances. Here’s how to stop it.
A person calculates interest.
Compound interest is a powerful force for people who want to build their savings.
woman depositing a check on her phone
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Person reading credit card statement
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
Woman using a calculator
How many bank accounts are too many? Use the rule of two hours to find out.
A young woman is in the living room, she is using a laptop and credit card
Stop wasting time writing checks. Learn the faster, safer way to pay.
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Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.
Illustration of construction workers on a roof
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.
illustration of money growing on trees
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.
Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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High-yield savings rates fluctuate over time. Let’s explore what causes that.
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The top high-yield savings accounts are currently earning APYs of 5 percent and greater.
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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.
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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Here’s how much $10,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
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