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

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.
Portrait of young couple in front of home
The new year calls for a new look at your old savings account.
Men hands holding a US Government Treasury check
The deadline has recently been extended, but you’re still going to want to act fast.
It takes work and a positive mindset, but an emergency fund can be there for you when you need it most.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi speaks from a lectern
The HEROES Act is back, but it could be a non-starter for some Republicans.
Woman voting in a face mask at the polls
In this election, many young voters remain unsure about at least one key issue.
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.
A wealthy couple research their financial accounts.
How much is too much? Here’s everything you need to know.
A picture from above of pedestrians crossing a busy street
The study shows that the number of Americans with less emergency savings has ballooned since the crisis began.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc