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.

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.

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

Young woman working from her kitchen island and drinking a hot beverage

Here are some of the best savings accounts you can sign up for as a business owner.

man using an atm on the street

The short answer is yes, but policies vary from bank to bank.

Women using tablet

Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.

Woman watering plants.

Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.

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.

Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office

Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.

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?

Illustration of Capitol Hill rotunda and coronavirus stimulus checks

Most plan to spend their stimulus funds on necessities, not on shopping, dining or traveling.

Young student works on college campus using her laptop

For the first time, adult dependents are eligible for a coronavirus stimulus check.

Father helps son with his homework

Experts warn the IRS may be hard-pressed to send out checks starting in July.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks during a news conference about the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill.

All federal coronavirus unemployment programs are set to be extended through Sept. 6.

A person passes a closed storefront in Patchogue, New York

Billions of dollars worth of wrongful unemployment payments have been paid out during the pandemic.

A woman lounges on the beach.

Here’s how these funds can help you achieve your goals.

Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Legislators will soon get to work on drawing up the next round of coronavirus relief.

Student works in college library

Taking a close look at your tax status will be especially vital if you’re still in school.

The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information