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

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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.

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.

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Money market accounts share the same FDIC protections as savings accounts and CDs.

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Illustration of construction workers on a roof

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Illustration of an old-fashioned physical bank branch and a mobile phone.

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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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