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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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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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There’s no telling when inflation will slow down.
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The move marks an end to the Fed’s most aggressive economic rescue effort in history.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building in Washington, D.C.
The Fed’s unconventional tool for fending off recession is being wound down.
President Joe Biden stands behind Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the announcement of his renomination
Consumers are bracing for a longer stretch of high inflation. But when can it be expected to slow down?
senior woman looking at paperwork in front of a computer
Age and region are also factors in how much consumers pay in checking fees.
Couple talking while standing on cliff by sea during sunny day
Even the small victories add up over time when you’re living on a fixed income.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks with lawmakers at a congressional testimony
Officials are sounding the alarm that they’re running the economy too hot.
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H&R Block launched a challenger bank aimed at those not served by traditional banks.
Man using cell phone in living room
It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
Person shopping at grocery store choosing oranges in the supermarket
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.
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.
young woman smiling on city sidewalk
Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.
Young woman using a laptop with credit card while relaxing at home
Financial goals are measuring sticks that apply to any area of your money management skills that you’re looking to improve.
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.
Man using cell phone in living room
It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
Illustration of cash under a beach umbrella
Here’s how much $10,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
Fantasy image of a robot hand holding a phone with real cash falling out of the screen
For many of us, saving money feels like an uphill battle.
Woman studying a document and working on a laptop
Here’s how multiple savings accounts can help you reach your financial goals.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Person looking at smartphone
The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.
Image by GettyImages, Illustrated by Bankrate
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
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