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

person looking at computer while sitting on balcony

Finding the account of your dreams comes down to knowing what you want and the features you value most.

person sitting on the couch and working on laptop

Some of the most common ways to send or receive money electronically include ACH and wire transfers.

A mid adult woman sits at the counter in her kitchen and uses a laptop computer for online banking while managing her personal finances.

Don’t wait for the next Fed meeting to see where rates go before opening a deposit account.

FDIC building in Washington DC

One of the most ubiquitous signs in the banking world is “Member FDIC.” Here’s what it means.

Clocks are displayed across an image of a dollar bill.

Take a look at the days when CDs were offering investors double-digit returns.

Person shopping at grocery store choosing oranges in the supermarket

Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.

image of lawnmower and cash

Many of these options are flexible to your schedule.

Male friends walk on a college campus.

Here are top accounts for features like ATM fee waivers, overdraft forgiveness and more.

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.

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.

A student withdraws cash at an ATM.

There are ways to access your money and ultimately spend it. Here’s how.

The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information