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.

Young man working on finances at home. He has a laptop open and is using a calculator.

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

A cargo ship moves towards the Bayonne Bridge as it heads into port in New Jersey

The principle can sometimes predict where inflation is heading.

Supermarket staff work at a grocery store in medical protective mask

Employers should also restore just about all of their pandemic-related job cuts.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a House Financial Committee hearing in Washington, D.C.

Economists say high inflation is forcing the Fed’s hand.

A woman stands beside a gas pump at a gas station in Los Angeles, California

Price increases depend on supply chain and labor shortages.

Pedestrians pass in front of a Capital One Financial Corp. bank branch in New York, U.S., on Wednesday, July 19, 2018. Capital One Financial Corp.

Consumers value the convenience of sticking with their existing banks over changing.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks beside President Joe Biden after he was nominated for a second term

Soaring inflation is making it hard for the Fed to justify its aggressive policies.

Two young brothers bake cookies together.

It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and overspend. Here are ways to avoid that trap.

Two people are in front of a Capital One Bank.

Capital One Bank will no longer charge overdraft fees starting in early 2022.

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.

Man using cell phone in living room

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.

young woman smiling on city sidewalk

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.

Person looking at smartphone

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.

Mature woman helps her daughter study for exam

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.

The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information