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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Latest articles

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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.

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

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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.

Illustration of construction workers on a roof

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

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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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If you’re looking to become a better saver, here are some tips for setting savings goals.

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Here are five ways automatic transfers can make growing your savings easy.

family financial planning

Here’s how to boost your savings.

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Having multiple bank accounts has its perks but keeping them organized is key.

young woman working on her laptop

A savings account is a useful financial tool for building a stable financial future.

It’s easy to open a savings account. Just make sure you have this information handy.

Illustration of construction workers on a roof

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

man pumping gas into his car

Here are 11 creative ways to save money, regardless of your financial goals.

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