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.

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If your discretionary income is low, you could pay $0 on your federal student loans.

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.

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Latest articles

San Antonio, TX, USA - March 16, 2022: IBC BANK sign on the buil

These institutions provide essential banking services to people in the Hispanic and Latino communities.

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Some purchases could cost you hundreds more today than a year ago.

Illustration of worker with a brief case

The once-booming labor market is starting to face some trouble.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at the June post-meeting press conference

The Fed hasn’t raised rates this much in a single year since 1994.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a March business conference

The economy doesn’t need the punchbowl anymore, but raising rates will still bring pain.

Woman painting watercolor

Being successful as a freelancer requires strong money management skills — these tips can help.

A customer shops at a grocery store.

Americans are desperately waiting for some relief from inflation.

People walk by the New York Stock Exchange

The results highlight experts’ concerns about the U.S. economy.

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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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.

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.

An image of a pink piggy bank standing on top of a green and white striped rocket with smoke coming out of the end of the rocket.

Here’s everything you need to know about high-yield savings accounts.

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.

Illustrated by Bankrate

Big banks pay just 0.01% APY while online banks offer 4% or more. Your $10,000 could earn over $800 more over two years.

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

A woman and daughter work together

A savings account can be a great tool to teach your child about money. Here are a few of our favorites.

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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.

A woman holds a phone at an office

Savers can stash their cash in a brokerage these days to rack up returns.

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