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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 construction workers on a roof
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
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.
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.
Older gentleman using a laptop
Knowing a savings bond’s value can help you decide whether to hold it or redeem it.
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.
Woman working with business document and laptop on the table
It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
female soldier and her husband use a banking app to check the state of their finances
Bank account budgeting tools make it easy to track your personal finances.
Side view of father cooking food while daughter having apple in kitchen
These simple moves can help build a cash cushion.
Easy mornings and working from home for this couple
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
A woman does her budgeting.
The amount of money you should save each month will vary based on your goals. Here’s what to know.
A young girl visits a doctor.
Confused about finding an HSA? Use these tips to determine the best deal for you.
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