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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.
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

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The short answer is yes, but policies vary from bank to bank.
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Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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Pair of friends shoe shopping
Impulse buying can drain your savings. Here are five tips for avoiding it to protect your money.
Young Asian professional woman shaking hands
Here’s how to find the job you want and save money throughout the process.
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.
Illustration of construction workers on a roof
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
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.
Woman having coffee and texting on her phone at home
Should you let these fintechs automate your budgeting?
young adult woman cashier
Here’s how to find the part-time job for you and how much you can expect to make.
A woman works on her laptop.
Here’s everything you need to know about savings accounts.
man pumping gas into his car
Here are 11 creative ways to save money, regardless of your financial goals.
piggy bank on a steering wheel
Take these simple steps to jumpstart your savings plan for a new car.
Car dealership
Here’s when to find the deepest discounts on a range of big purchases.
A doctor's visit.
Everything savers need to know about HSAs.
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Make 2024 the year you take your savings to the next level.
Young woman on smartphone
Look for gigs, deals and other ways to earn money simply by browsing on your phone.
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