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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Latest articles

A majority (81%) of Americans did not increase their emergency savings this year

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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.

Here’s how to boost your savings.

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Sometimes paying an early withdrawal penalty on a CD isn’t a bad idea.

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

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Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.

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Ready to open a savings account? Here’s what you’ll need to know.

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The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at its first meeting of 2026, keeping borrowing costs in a target range of 3.5-3.75%. This decision (supported by a 10-2 vote) pauses a streak of three [...]

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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.

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Take control of your money and build a six-figure financial foundation. Here’s how.

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Start saving today with these saving accounts with no minimum deposit required.

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Here’s how to save an extra $100 monthly with simple changes.

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These five banking apps can help you save money even on a tight budget.

A mid adult woman sits at the counter in her kitchen and uses a laptop computer for online banking while managing her personal finances.

Don’t wait for the next Fed meeting to see where rates go before opening a deposit account.

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Consider a savings account with an APY above the inflation rate.

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Here are five ways automatic transfers can make growing your savings easy.

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Having multiple bank accounts has its perks but keeping them organized is key.

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