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.

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.

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.

Explore banking products:

CDs Savings Accounts MMAs Checking Accounts

Latest articles

Thanksgiving shopping

With some planning and preparation, this is how I reduced my Thanksgiving grocery bill.

Bankrate writer Karen Bennett and editor Marc Wojno pose in a selfie at the Money 20/20 conference in Las Vegas.

Banks are working to keep customers safe through AI apps and human interaction.

Turtle with shopping bag

Slow shopping has been growing in popularity despite potential drawbacks.

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 watering plants.

Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.

A young woman works from her laptop.

Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.

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.

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.

A couple looks at finances.

The coronavirus pandemic drained Americans’ savings accounts.

Mother helping her son with schoolwork

The first of six monthly Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments start July 15.

Watering the plants

The savings account has always been a time-tested standby. Here’s why it still matters.

Post-pandemic financial checklist

Before making this your own version of the roaring ’20s, here’s what you may want to consider.

Close up of Treasury Department stimulus check

Those taxpayers could potentially see thousands of extra dollars when they file for the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Illustration of Capitol Hill rotunda and coronavirus stimulus checks

Most plan to spend their stimulus funds on necessities, not on shopping, dining or traveling.

Young student works on college campus using her laptop

For the first time, adult dependents are eligible for a coronavirus stimulus check.

Father helps son with his homework

Experts warn the IRS may be hard-pressed to send out checks starting in July.

The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information