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

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Specific savings accounts can help disabled individuals gain financial security.

Worried about surging inflation?

Experts expect inflation to cool, but how soon that happens will be key.

ederal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell testifies at a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing

The Fed is withdrawing stimulus at the fastest pace in decades.

Illustration of person holding up $100 bill

Busting a long-standing workplace taboo, younger workers are being more transparent to achieve equal pay.

A FedEx truck makes deliveries

Job creation is expected to be almost two times slower over the next 12 months.

Shopper looks for milk at a grocery store

Consumers will likely have to keep paying more for almost everything they buy.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a conference

Fed officials are projecting seven total rate hikes in 2022 alone.

President Biden speaks at event marking Equal Pay Day

There’s no telling when inflation will slow down.

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.

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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.

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

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