Skip to Main Content

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

Capitol Hill illustration
Half of Americans say they’ll use their stimulus money to pay bills.
Additionally, most investors intentionally left their investments alone as volatility increased.
A woman uses a Wells Fargo ATM.
There’s no need to go overboard and hoard cash.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at press conference
It’s the largest emergency reduction in the Fed’s more than 100-year history.
Traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange react to news
Here’s who stands to benefit the most from plunging interest rates.
Couples rides bike through forrest
The latest Fed move just might put retirees in a pinch.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building in Washington, D.C.
The fed funds rate could quickly approach zero this year, experts said.
Person shopping at grocery store choosing oranges in the supermarket
Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.
Man using cell phone in living room
It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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 simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.
Calendar of 2023
Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.
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.
Mechanic uses force to unlock bolt
Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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.
Side view of father cooking food while daughter having apple in kitchen
These simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.
Home Finances
Here’s how to earn more interest with a high-yield savings account.
Man watering plants
Interest is the price you pay to borrow money or the cost you charge to lend money.
Mature woman helps her daughter study for exam
High-yield savings rates fluctuate over time. Let’s explore what causes that.
Recession risks are rising. Learn six smart savings strategies to protect your money before it hits.
Person using laptop computer at home
Split direct deposit is a simple way to painlessly boost your savings.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc