Skip to Main Content

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

A 'Help Wanted' sign is posted beside Coronavirus safety guidelines in front of a restaurant.
The job market has come a long way, but economists’ forecasts suggest more recovery time is needed.
Stock market financial growth chart
The pandemic upended everything, and your wallet wasn’t spared.
Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a press conference in Washington
The Fed isn’t in a rush to raise rates, but slowing asset purchases appears to be on deck.
Stacks of dollars bills moving through a machine at the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
You might not know it, but the repo market is the bedrock for the financial system.
For Rent sign taped on gated storefront, Queens, New York
The only thing harder than shutting down the world’s largest economy is bringing it all back to life.
One Florida credit union aims to offer an alternative to check-cashing stores by starting their own, offering lower interest rates and fees. Elsewhere, middle-income consumers and college students are [...]
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks to reporters at a press conference.
As the economy rebounds, don’t expect the Fed’s extraordinary support to last forever.
A man pushes his bags on the departures level at Los Angeles International Airport while wearing a mask.
The worst downturn in a lifetime was also the shortest.
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.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc