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.

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.

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

A young woman looks at her phone on a jetty

As fees decline, brokers and robo-advisors are competing on feature-rich services to differentiate themselves.

CFPB building sign at an angle

The Trump’s administration has ordered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to cease operations.

man taking money out of a wallet

Here’s how to save an extra $100 monthly with simple changes.

Fresh produce

With a bit of planning, you can reduce your grocery bill. Here’s how.

close up of hands writing a check

Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.

woman looking at her phone while walking outside

These five banking apps can help you save money even on a tight budget.

Woman talking on the phone with bank

These expert tips can help keep your bank and financial accounts safe from hackers.

Woman writing in a planner

Looking to save more? Here are proven strategies to grow your savings this year.

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.

Home Finances

Here’s how to earn more interest with a high-yield savings account.

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.

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.

Money next to flashing sirens

Over 1 in 3 people tapped emergency savings in the past year, per a new Bankrate survey.

The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information