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.

Bankrate offers 18 ideas for stretching your budget to save money.

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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.

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CDs Savings Accounts MMAs Checking Accounts

Latest articles

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Image of Jerome Powell and Donald Trump side by side above the Federal Reserve building.

Lower rates won’t fix trade uncertainty, and credit could still be tight.

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Should you let these fintechs automate your budgeting?

Young woman using a laptop with credit card while relaxing at home

Financial goals are measuring sticks that apply to any area of your money management skills that you’re looking to improve.

Dollar sign balloon being blown up by a pump on a green background with an arrow pointing down to the right

How to find the best high-yield savings account in times of high inflation

Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office

Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.

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.

Side view of father cooking food while daughter having apple in kitchen

These simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.

Home Finances

Here’s how to earn more interest with a high-yield savings account.

Man watering plants

Interest is the price you pay to borrow money or the cost you charge to lend money.

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High-yield savings rates fluctuate over time. Let’s explore what causes that.

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