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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

Woman voting in a face mask at the polls
In this election, many young voters remain unsure about at least one key issue.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at post-meeting press conference
Expect this lower-for-longer interest rate environment to persist until the economy is back on track.
A photo of a check from the Treasury Department
The plan includes direct aid to taxpayers: $1,200 to individuals and $500 per child and dependent adult.
Donald Trump and Jerome Powell speaking from the White House Rose Garden
Either way you look at it, there’s going to be some whiplash — possibly weighing on consumers’ wallets.
A framing art gallery is closed in Venice Beach, California, during the coronavirus pandemic.
The return to normalcy could happen later — rather than sooner. 
Two people under umbrella using tablet
The Fed’s recent actions may force savers to start thinking differently about their money.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building in Washington, D.C.
Now may come the hardest part, both for consumers and Fed watchers.
A person wears a protective face mask outside a GNC store.
Some forecasts suggest a resurgence in coronavirus cases could tip the financial system over again. 
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.
Woman having coffee and texting on her phone at home
Should you let these fintechs automate your budgeting?
Young woman working from her kitchen island and drinking a hot beverage
Here are some of the best savings accounts you can sign up for as a business owner.
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.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Pair of friends shoe shopping
Impulse buying can drain your savings. Here are five tips for avoiding it to protect your money.
Man watering plants
Interest is the price you pay to borrow money or the cost you charge to lend money.
A student withdraws cash at an ATM.
There are ways to access your money and ultimately spend it. Here’s how.
young woman smiling on city sidewalk
Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.
Someone holding a jar full of coins. The jar says savings on it.
ADHD can affect your ability to manage money — here are tips that work for me.
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