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.

Not having success with your savings? A budget can make things a little easier.

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Understanding discretionary income can help you with your budgeting strategy.

Our guide tackles the basics of disposable income and how you can use it to budget.

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

Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference

Fed officials are trying to prevent an economic slowdown from getting worse.

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Tune in to Bankrate’s live coverage of the Fed’s first rate cut since 2020.

Women using digital tablet to check her finances at home office

For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed raises interest rates.

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The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.

Fed chair Jerome Powell walks into a conference

The Federal Reserve announced that it’s lowering interest rates following its September 17-18 meeting.

Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision

This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing.

Rate cuts mark a new era for the Fed. Here’s what you should do as a consumer.

Senior couple sitting at the kitchen table looking at digital tablet and recalculating their expenses.

Consider a savings account with an APY above the inflation rate.

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These six simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.

illustration of money growing on trees

Here’s a helpful guide to how much you need in savings over the course of your life.

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Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.

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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 home for your emergency savings.

Calendar of 2023

Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.

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Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.

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Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.

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.

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Sixty percent of households feel behind on their emergency savings in 2023.

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Despite inflation and expenses, there are ways to increase your emergency savings.

piggybank

Here are some of the best savings accounts you can sign up for as a business owner.

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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.

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If you’re struggling to save money right now, you’re not alone. Here’s how a few easy changes can help.

A man uses the Qapital app to save money.

Build up your savings by automatically setting aside small amounts of money.

A couple budgets together.

Not having success with your savings? A budget can make things a little easier.

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