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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Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.

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The National Credit Union Administration is similar to the FDIC, which covers banks.

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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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Interest is the price you pay to borrow money or the cost you charge to lend money.

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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.

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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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