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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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Experts still expect a major hiring slowdown, even if it hasn’t happened yet.
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Economists are divided over when inflation will hit the Fed’s 2 percent goal.
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Rate cuts might not bring the relief consumers have been waiting for.
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Learn the advantages and disadvantages of offshore banking and whether or not the risks are worth the potential benefits.
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Liquidity will be a big factor in choosing between term deposits and call deposits.
Senior tourist couple discovering missing wallet
Losing your wallet can be reduced to a minor inconvenience if you know what to do.
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Online banks typically offer savings accounts with much higher yields than brick-and-mortar banks.
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Here are some key factors to consider when searching for the best checking account.
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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.
Woman working with business document and laptop on the table
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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