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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CDs Savings Accounts MMAs Checking Accounts

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.

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.

Home Finances

Here’s how to earn more interest with a high-yield savings account.

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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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Here are scenarios for when each choice – paying down debt or saving – makes more sense.

A man works on his laptop.

Here’s everything you need to know about high-yield savings accounts.

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Single people and young families tend to have significantly less saved.

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Don’t let the fear of saving leave you in the dark. Avoid these 10 savings mistakes.

Halloween bucket filled with money

Despite inflation and expenses, there are ways to increase your emergency savings.

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Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.

Parents helping baby walk on beach

How to save on baby costs and avoid common financial mistakes made by new parents.

Mother and daughter

A savings account is a good tool for teaching children financial basics and responsibility.

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