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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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Being scammed can have devastating effects on your finances. Here’s how to stop it.
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Protecting your financial data can help keep your money safe from fraudsters.
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The best bank and credit union for you will depend on your banking needs, but in general, the best banks offer accounts with low or no minimum balance requirements and don’t charge monthly fees — or [...]
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Keep fees in check when you shift money from one bank account to another.
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Compound interest is a powerful force for people who want to build their savings.
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Our top 5 picks scored highly for access, range of products and digital options.
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Interest is the price you pay to borrow money or the cost you charge to lend money.
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High-yield savings rates fluctuate over time. Let’s explore what causes that.
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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.
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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.
Illustration of Capitol Hill rotunda and coronavirus stimulus checks
Most plan to spend their stimulus funds on necessities, not on shopping, dining or traveling.
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For the first time, adult dependents are eligible for a coronavirus stimulus check.
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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.
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Billions of dollars worth of wrongful unemployment payments have been paid out during the pandemic.
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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.
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Taking a close look at your tax status will be especially vital if you’re still in school.
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