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.

Not having success with your savings? A budget can make things a little easier.

Woman using a calculator and examining financial documents

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.

Explore banking products:

CDs Savings Accounts MMAs Checking Accounts

Latest articles

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The short answer is yes, but policies vary from bank to bank.

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Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.

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

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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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Impulse buying can drain your savings. Here are five tips for avoiding it to protect your money.

Young Asian professional woman shaking hands

Here’s how to find the job you want and save money throughout the process.

illustration of money growing on trees

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

young woman smiling on city sidewalk

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

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 home for your emergency savings.

Calendar of 2023

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

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.

Woman having coffee and texting on her phone at home

Should you let these fintechs automate your budgeting?

It’s relatively easy to get a higher return on your money if you do your homework.

People stand outside a recently-opened Apple Store

The Apple Card savings account APY may be lower, but well above the national average.

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.

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Here’s how much $10,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.

Teller at brick-and-mortar bank

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

Woman using a banking app on her phone

Competitive rates, fewer fees, and convenience are all reasons to consider online banking.

Young business woman working at the office on a laptop

Here’s a guide to saving $10,000 in one year to make yourself more financially secure.

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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