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

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Find the best high-yield savings account rate today.
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Saving money in the Midwest and South is easier than in the West and Northeast.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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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.
Person shopping at grocery store choosing oranges in the supermarket
Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.
Man using cell phone in living room
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.
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.
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.
Mechanic uses force to unlock bolt
Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.
A woman shopping during the holiday season.
These holiday savings accounts are still available at many small banks and credit unions. But are they the best way to save?
sleeping child and grandma rest on travel adventure for family bonding
Saving for your grandchildren can help to minimize the financial burdens they face down the road.
A Gen Z woman counting cash next to a laptop
Navigating the world of personal finance is daunting, but it’s particularly so for Gen Zers.
Young woman wearing white headphones using laptop and mobile phone for remote work
A biweekly budget lets you allocate your expenses better than on a monthly basis.
A full grocery basket surrounded by grocery receipts
The average household earned $101,805 in 2023 before taxes and spent $77,280.
The Treasury building.
The best time to cash in savings bonds depends on an investor’s life circumstances.
Female patient paying with credit card at doctor's office front desk
Here’s what you need to know about upcoming changes to Health Savings Accounts.
An attractive African American female creates content with a video camera in a bright office.
Learn how deinfluencers help you save money by promoting mindful spending habits.
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