Banking
Take the 52-week money challenge: What it is and how to do it
4 min read
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
Not having success with your savings? A budget can make things a little easier.
Discretionary income: Definition, how to calculate it and how it impacts your budget
Personal Finance
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
12 ways to save money every day
6 min read
5 saving strategies for financial goals
8 min read
How to start (and build) an emergency fund
8 min read
The best places to keep your emergency fund
7 min read
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
A new Bankrate study reveals where infant care is the most and least affordable in the U.S.
A new Bankrate study reveals where infant care is the most and least affordable in the U.S.
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Bankrate’s list of all the failed banks in every U.S. state from 2009 to 2024.
An extra paycheck in the month can be a game-changer for your finances. Here’s how.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
These six simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.
Here’s a helpful guide to how much you need in savings over the course of your life.
Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
It’s important to find the right home for your emergency savings.
Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.
Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.
Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.
Clearing out a dusty closet or dank basement can yield moneymaking treasures for resale.
The right savings strategy could put that family vacation within reach.
A savings account is a useful financial tool for building a stable financial future.
Inflation can eat away at your purchasing power, if you’re not keeping up with it.
Knowing how these accounts work, and how they differ, can help better your finances.
Online banks offer higher APYs and lower fees than brick-and-mortar and are safe.
These simple steps will help you get the homebuying process underway.
These simple steps will help you get the homebuying process underway.
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