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
How to start (and build) an emergency fund
8 min read
12 ways to save money every day
6 min read
5 saving strategies for financial goals
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
Fed officials are trying to prevent an economic slowdown from getting worse.
Tune in to Bankrate’s live coverage of the Fed’s first rate cut since 2020.
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
The Fed looks poised to leave rates alone in July but signal cuts are coming soon.
Americans still have a ways to go to fully recover their purchasing power.
Wages are on pace to fully recover from inflation by the second quarter of 2025.
As the old saying goes: “Everything is bigger in Texas.” And that’s also true of your list of options when choosing a bank or credit union in the state.
Here’s how to save money and get the most bang for your buck.
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
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.
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.
Knowing a savings bond’s value can help you decide whether to hold it or redeem it.
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
Bank account budgeting tools make it easy to track your personal finances.
These simple moves can help build a cash cushion.
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
The amount of money you should save each month will vary based on your goals. Here’s what to know.
Confused about finding an HSA? Use these tips to determine the best deal for you.
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