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.

Explore banking products:

CDs Savings Accounts MMAs Checking Accounts

Latest articles

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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.

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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.

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

A couple looks at finances.

The coronavirus pandemic drained Americans’ savings accounts.

Mother helping her son with schoolwork

The first of six monthly Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments start July 15.

Watering the plants

The savings account has always been a time-tested standby. Here’s why it still matters.

Post-pandemic financial checklist

Before making this your own version of the roaring ’20s, here’s what you may want to consider.

Close up of Treasury Department stimulus check

Those taxpayers could potentially see thousands of extra dollars when they file for the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Illustration of Capitol Hill rotunda and coronavirus stimulus checks

Most plan to spend their stimulus funds on necessities, not on shopping, dining or traveling.

Young student works on college campus using her laptop

For the first time, adult dependents are eligible for a coronavirus stimulus check.

Father helps son with his homework

Experts warn the IRS may be hard-pressed to send out checks starting in July.

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