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

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With some planning and preparation, this is how I reduced my Thanksgiving grocery bill.

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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.

Here’s what a proposed tax credit for travel could mean for you.

When it comes to handling a windfall, don’t rush it. You’re going to want to make a financial plan.

A water faucet leaks a drop of water

Here’s how to optimize your saving strategy in a tough economy.

In case of a potential emergency, it pays to be financially prepared.

A picture of the coronavirus on a blue background

Half of those same households report having taken on more debt.

A woman looking at Ally Bank's new savings tools.

Here’s what the online bank is offering to help customers boost their savings and meet financial goals.

Woman erasing blackboard

These common mistakes are costing us a huge chunk of change.

A woman shopping during the holiday season.

These holiday savings accounts are still available at many small banks and credit unions. But are they the best way to save?

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