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.

Woman using a calculator and examining financial documents

Understanding discretionary income can help you with your budgeting strategy.

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.

Explore banking products:

CDs Savings Accounts MMAs Checking Accounts

Latest articles

Women using digital tablet to check her finances at home office

For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed lowers interest rates.

woman on couch using laptop computer

All CDs have one thing in common: They’re among the safest places to park your cash.

Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration

The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing.

The Fed’s rate cuts might be on pause. Here’s what you should do as a consumer.

Fed chair Jerome Powell speaks to reporters at a Fed meeting

The Federal Reserve announced that it’s holding interest rates steady following its Jan. 28-29 meeting.

Person looking at smartphone

The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.

Jerome Powell Federal Reserve Chairman

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

A lady uses her phone and laptop.

Getting answers to your banking questions doesn’t have to take forever.

Person shopping at grocery store choosing oranges in the supermarket

Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.

Man using cell phone in living room

It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.

Illustration of construction workers on a roof

An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.

Mother and daughter shopping for vegetables

These simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.

Calendar of 2023

Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.

illustration of money growing on trees

Here’s a helpful guide to how much you need in savings over the course of your life.

young woman smiling on city sidewalk

Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.

Mechanic uses force to unlock bolt

Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.

man taking money out of a wallet

Here’s how to save an extra $100 monthly with simple changes.

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.

Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office

Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.

Fresh produce

With a bit of planning, you can reduce your grocery bill. Here’s how.

woman looking at her phone while walking outside

These five banking apps can help you save money even on a tight budget.

Woman writing in a planner

Looking to save more? Here are proven strategies to grow your savings this year.

Person on laptop computer

The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.

Man using tablet PC while having coffee at cafe

Use these strategies to keep your deposits safe when they top FDIC limits.

The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information