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.

Young man working on finances at home. He has a laptop open and is using a calculator.

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

Woman sitting on a sofa looking at her laptop

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

A cargo ship moves towards the Bayonne Bridge as it heads into port in New Jersey

The principle can sometimes predict where inflation is heading.

Supermarket staff work at a grocery store in medical protective mask

Employers should also restore just about all of their pandemic-related job cuts.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a House Financial Committee hearing in Washington, D.C.

Economists say high inflation is forcing the Fed’s hand.

A woman stands beside a gas pump at a gas station in Los Angeles, California

Price increases depend on supply chain and labor shortages.

Pedestrians pass in front of a Capital One Financial Corp. bank branch in New York, U.S., on Wednesday, July 19, 2018. Capital One Financial Corp.

Consumers value the convenience of sticking with their existing banks over changing.

Couple works on bills

U.S. consumers see inflation as the biggest threat to improving personal finances.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks beside President Joe Biden after he was nominated for a second term

Soaring inflation is making it hard for the Fed to justify its aggressive policies.

Two young brothers bake cookies together.

It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and overspend. Here are ways to avoid that trap.

Illustration of construction workers on a roof

An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.

Man using cell phone in living room

It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.

Person shopping at grocery store choosing oranges in the supermarket

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.

illustration of money growing on trees

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.

young woman smiling on city sidewalk

Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.

Young woman using a laptop with credit card while relaxing at home

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.

Person imagining a piggy bank made out of cash.

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.

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

Keeping your savings in a bank down the street may seem like the obvious play, but there may be real downsides for doing so.

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.

The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information