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.

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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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It’s important to weigh your options after missing your CD’s maturity date.

A woman and daughter work together

A savings account can be a great tool to teach your child about money. Here are a few of our favorites.

Easy mornings and working from home for this couple

Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.

Senior couple sitting at the kitchen table looking at digital tablet and recalculating their expenses.

Consider a savings account with an APY above the inflation rate.

couple with bank worker

Many of these banks offer low-fee accounts and higher yields than some of the biggest banks.

Couple looking at laptop while sitting on sofa at home

As the Fed is cutting interest rates, consider these certificates of deposit (CDs)

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Find out which CD term is best for your financial goals in a lower rate environment.

Man working on laptop and cellphone simultaneously

If you’ve been thinking of getting a longer-term CD, you may want to make a move.

Person shopping at grocery store choosing oranges in the supermarket

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

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It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.

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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.

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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.

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Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.

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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.

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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.

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Split direct deposit is a simple way to painlessly boost your savings.

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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.

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