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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.
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.
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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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Here’s where the nation’s top economists see hiring, the Fed and inflation heading over the next year.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at press conference
Higher inflation and a troubled labor market could be the Fed’s nightmare scenario.
A shopper wearing a protective face mask fills a grocery cart with bottled water at a supermarket.
Higher inflation is here, but the big question is whether it’s here to stay or not.
Watering the plants
The savings account has always been a time-tested standby. Here’s why it still matters.
Woman working on her laptop from home
The longer an individual is out of a job, the more likely they are to lose skills, face discrimination from employers and see lower wages.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a press conference after an FOMC meeting.
The Fed’s patience could be challenged as the U.S. economy comes roaring back to life.
Woman reading folder at desk in living room
Here’s how to respond to lower rates if you’re in the market for a CD or savings account.
Illustration of Capitol Hill rotunda and coronavirus stimulus checks
Most plan to spend their stimulus funds on necessities, not on shopping, dining or traveling.
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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.
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It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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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.
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Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.
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Financial goals are measuring sticks that apply to any area of your money management skills that you’re looking to improve.
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.
Someone watering a plant that grows cash
Here’s how much $100,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
A majority (81%) of Americans did not increase their emergency savings this year
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Most people know they should save. But understanding why can make the habit stick. Saving isn’t just about “being responsible” — it’s about control, opportunity, and peace of mind. Here are seven [...]
Mother and daughter
A savings account is a good tool for teaching children financial basics and responsibility.
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Saving for your grandchildren can help to minimize the financial burdens they face down the road.
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