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

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

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

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Impulse buying can drain your savings. Here are five tips for avoiding it to protect your money.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

Family shopping at grocery store

Americans spent nearly $74,000 in 2022 just to keep their households running.

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The amount varies by individual, but there are guidelines.

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

Young family managing budget and paying bills and taxes

Barely above the poverty line, ALICE households struggle to make ends meet.

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Here are some places to look for a source of funds.

Woman working from home with a child in the background

A new Bankrate analysis shows mothers earned 31 percent less in wages than fathers in 2023.

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Even earning as little as $100 in extra income here and there can give you added spending money.

Woman taking safety deposit box out

Some items are good candidates for storage in a safe deposit box, but others aren’t.

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