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.

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Latest articles

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Here’s a look at every time the FDIC has increased its deposits insurance limits.

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Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.

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

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Illustration of construction workers on a roof

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Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.

illustration of money growing on trees

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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.

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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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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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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.

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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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