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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.
Woman sitting on a sofa looking at her laptop
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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But the U.S. economy should pick up speed, thanks to fresh fiscal stimulus.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks to reporters at a post-meeting press conference.
The Fed is pledging to keep aggressively supporting the economy, even after the pandemic officially ends.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a testimony before Congress
Here’s how this unconventional policy works to try and keep yields below a certain level.
Navy Federal Credit Union opened a branch on Jan. 11 in Douglasville, Georgia.
Bank branches in the U.S. has been steadily declining for years, but Navy Federal has taken a different approach.
Illustration of individual getting a coronavirus vaccine.
Apprehensive consumers could stall a post-pandemic boom that many Americans have been clamoring for.
President Joe Biden in the Oval Office
Biden may want to hold off on raising taxes as the economy recovers — for now.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at post-meeting press conference
For consumers, the pros and faults of today’s low-rate world will prevail for months, if not years, to come.
Rapidly spreading coronavirus has left markets jittery
There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but the economic hardship won’t be over anytime soon.
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.
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It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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.
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
Close up of someone hands holding and counting American dollar banknotes in her hand
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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