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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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A savings account is a useful financial tool for building a stable financial future.
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It’s easy to open a savings account. Just make sure you have this information handy.
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CDs and MMAs can pay competitive rates, but they have different drawbacks and benefits.
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Learn how CD ladders and partial withdrawals can be used to fund emergency savings.
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Withdrawing your money from a CD before the term ends can be costly.
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It’s possible to leverage the money in your CDs to grow your emergency savings.
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A CFPB lawsuit claims Capital One underpaid savings account interest by $2 billion.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell with money around him.
Surveyed economists predict lower recession odds — but higher inflation — for 2025.
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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.
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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.
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