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

President-elect Joe Biden speaks to the media after the transition advisory board

Biden will be focused on handling the coronavirus pandemic and the recession.

Airline industry workers hold signs during a protest in Chicago

Another round of job losses similar to what Americans witnessed back in March may soon wreak havoc.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a press conference

The Fed will continue to stay on the sidelines when it comes to rates.

A senior man works on his laptop.

Like cleansing your body with a special diet, purge your debt and start saving with a budget.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and the Fed Eccles Building illustration

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell will have a communications tightrope to walk.

People sit and watch a broadcast of the first debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.

Either candidate will have to wrestle with a potentially slow rebound while in the Oval Office.

A woman walks by a store going out of business in New York City.

States’ unemployment benefits are one of the few coronavirus relief lines left.

Democratic presidential candidates

Here’s what might happen if everyone received a guaranteed minimum income from the government.

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.

woman, using laptop while working from home

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