Skip to Main Content

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.
Not having success with your savings? A budget can make things a little easier.
Woman using a calculator and examining financial documents
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.

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

Kids playing with blocks at a school.
A new Bankrate study reveals where infant care is the most and least affordable in the U.S.
Kids playing with blocks at a school.
A new Bankrate study reveals where infant care is the most and least affordable in the U.S.
Broken whiter ceramic piggy bank in pieces on red surface
Here’s why banking at an FDIC-insured bank is vital for the safety of your money.
Couple counting money
Learn what a relationship rate is and how it can impact your money.
Bank sign on glass wall of business center
Looking for a high-yielding APY on a CD? Consider CD offered at these big banks.
FDIC
Bankrate’s list of all the failed banks in every U.S. state from 2009 to 2024.
A hand making an "OK" sign, a bank vault, and a check
An extra paycheck in the month can be a game-changer for your finances. Here’s how.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Mother and daughter shopping for vegetables
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.
young woman smiling on city sidewalk
Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.
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 home for your emergency savings.
Calendar of 2023
Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.
Young man choosing oranges in the supermarket
Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.
Mechanic uses force to unlock bolt
Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.
A doctor's visit.
Everything savers need to know about HSAs.
Woman writing in a planner
Make 2024 the year you take your savings to the next level.
Young woman on smartphone
Look for gigs, deals and other ways to earn money simply by browsing on your phone.
Calendar of 2023
Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.
illustration of hammer with box with red health cross sign on it and a stack of cash
Emergency savings depleted? Here’s how to start replenishing it.
Man lost in thought as he sits at his office desk
Economists, however, have a different word for describing the economic environment.
Woman working on finances during the holiday season
There are savings opportunities in the current interest rate environment.
Woman using smart phone on wall
The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc