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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.
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Understanding discretionary income can help you with your budgeting strategy.
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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

Illustrated by Bankrate
Paying medical expenses with pre-tax dollars is smart, but budgeting is key.
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Let’s look at several online banks and credit unions that let you deposit cash.
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Top APYs on high-yield savings are above 4%, despite a recent U.S. credit downgrade.
Young worried man working at home
Learn why a bank could close your account and what to about it.
exterior of Bank of America branch building
Knowing bank holiday schedules can help you avoid delays on necessary transactions.
Closeup of cash in a hand
Savings bonds are safe and easy to buy, but you can earn higher interest income elsewhere.
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These accounts sound similar, but there are some key differences to know.
Young woman withdrawing money using phone at the ATM machine on the street in Budapest in Hungary.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
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It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
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Here’s a helpful guide to how much you need in savings over the course of your life.
Person shopping at grocery store choosing oranges in the supermarket
Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.
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These simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.
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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Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.
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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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Man using cell phone in living room
It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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Wondering what to do when it comes to saving during a recession? Here’s what the experts have to say.
Woman on laptop
The highest savings account rate has dipped ahead of next week’s Fed rate decision.
A photo of the author of the article near a computer and book
Saving money isn’t just about cutting costs. Sometimes, it’s about reframing how you spend your time. Here’s how one mindset shift helped me avoid impulsive purchases and grow my savings with less [...]
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Most savers aren’t moving money despite 4 percent rates being available. This inertia could cost thousands in lost interest income.
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Fed officials indicate that interest rates will remain steady at its next meeting.
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