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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.
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If your discretionary income is low, you could pay $0 on your federal student loans.
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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

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Your money doesn’t just sit in the bank. Here’s what it’s been up to.
An image depicting parents and a small child sitting at a table with an open laptop, papers, and a calculator sitting on top of it. There is a large compass behind the parents and an arrow pointed to the upper right of the image.
High tariffs will make it harder for parents to afford the necessities — but don’t panic.
Older man with glasses sits on a couch next to a younger woman with curly hair. They are looking at official paperwork on a coffee table that also contains a calculator. There is an image of a large compass behind their heads and an blue arrow pointing from lower left to upper right.
Economic uncertainty is making it harder for low-income Americans save.
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After years of being passed over by established banks, startups are working to shift the paradigm in financial services and better serve LGBTQ customers. Here’s what the disruptors are building, how [...]
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Learn the key characteristics of certified checks and how they differ from other types of payments.
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Inflation can eat away at your purchasing power, if you’re not keeping up with it.
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These tips can help you manage your money more wisely and make you a bit richer.
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Several banks are offering high-yield savings accounts well above 4 percent APY.
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An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
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It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.
Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.
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Here’s a helpful guide to how much you need in savings over the course of your life.
Calendar of 2023
Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.
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Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.
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Financial goals are measuring sticks that apply to any area of your money management skills that you’re looking to improve.
A majority (81%) of Americans did not increase their emergency savings this year
Here’s how to boost your savings.
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Ready to open a savings account? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
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 a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
Woman sitting outside of restaurant looking at cell phone
Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.
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Keeping your savings in a bank down the street may seem like the obvious play, but there may be real downsides for doing so.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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