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.

Explore banking products:

CDs Savings Accounts MMAs Checking Accounts

Latest articles

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

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

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

Image of the back of a man in a suit standing in front of a large line graph that is on top of a half shredded U.S. Dollar.

Stagflation is an economic “super villain,” bringing high inflation and unemployment.

Woman reaching in to the air for cash

Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.

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.

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These simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.

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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Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.

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It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.

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An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.

Mother and daughter shopping for vegetables

These simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.

Calendar of 2023

Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.

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Here’s a helpful guide to how much you need in savings over the course of your life.

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Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.

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Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.

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Many of these options are flexible to your schedule.

A woman and daughter work together

A savings account can be a great tool to teach your child about money. Here are a few of our favorites.

Easy mornings and working from home for this couple

Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.

Senior couple sitting at the kitchen table looking at digital tablet and recalculating their expenses.

Consider a savings account with an APY above the inflation rate.

An affectionate young mother smiling at her husband while carrying their baby at home

Wondering what to do when it comes to saving during a recession? Here’s what the experts have to say.

Women using digital tablet to check her finances at home office

For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed lowers interest rates.

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The best account to save your money will vary by your goal.

Man using cell phone in living room

It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.

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