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.

Not having success with your savings? A budget can make things a little easier.

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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

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.

Illustration of young person with their wallet

Recent Bankrate data shows that young people are the ones most optimistic about their finances.

It’s relatively easy to get a higher return on your money if you do your homework.

People stand outside a recently-opened Apple Store

The Apple Card savings account APY may be lower, but well above the national average.

Teller at brick-and-mortar bank

Keeping your savings in a bank down the street may seem like the obvious play, but there may be real downsides for doing so.

Woman using a banking app on her phone

Competitive rates, fewer fees, and convenience are all reasons to consider online banking.

Young business woman working at the office on a laptop

Here’s a guide to saving $10,000 in one year to make yourself more financially secure.

Senior tourist couple discovering missing wallet

Losing your wallet can be reduced to a minor inconvenience if you know what to do.

Woman watering flowers

Online banks typically offer savings accounts with much higher yields than brick-and-mortar banks.

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