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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CDs Savings Accounts MMAs Checking Accounts

Latest articles

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A CFPB lawsuit claims Capital One underpaid savings account interest by $2 billion.

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If your New Year’s goal is to practice self-care, use these tips to stay on budget.

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Here’s how you can start paying off that holiday debt and building up your savings.

Mother and daughter shopping for vegetables

These simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.

A couple budgets together.

Bankrate offers 18 ideas for stretching your budget to save money.

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.

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

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

Mother and daughter shopping for vegetables

These simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.

Calendar of 2023

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

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

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Here’s a helpful guide to how much you need in savings over the course of your life.

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

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

Young man choosing oranges in the supermarket

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

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Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.

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Specific savings accounts can help disabled individuals gain financial security.

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Entering your 30s means it’s time take a fresh look at your finances.

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The pause on federal student loan payments has been extended, giving relief to many.

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Start early and get into the habit of saving a portion of your hard-earned dollars.

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As inflation hikes, here’s a phone plan that can help you save.

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Here’s what personal financial experts recommend to help get your finances in shipshape in 2022.

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Sweepstakes winners used their $10,000 prize for practical (and fun) purposes.

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These longer-run challenges make saving and investing all the harder.

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