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.
Budgeting tips
Essential reading
Additional savings tips
-
5 steps to take with your money in 2022, according to personal finance experts
Here’s what personal financial experts recommend to help get your finances in shipshape in 2022.
6 min read Apr 14, 2022 -
Bankrate sweepstakes winners reveal plans to drop debt, save money
Sweepstakes winners used their $10,000 prize for practical (and fun) purposes.
2 min read Feb 22, 2023 -
How to start saving (even if you’re starting from scratch)
Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.
4 min read Feb 15, 2022 -
Combating the racial wealth gap: 9 money moves for individuals of color
These longer-run challenges make saving and investing all the harder.
15 min read Oct 27, 2023 -
10 ways to maximize your savings while on a fixed income
Even the small victories add up over time when you’re living on a fixed income.
4 min read Aug 21, 2023 -
7 tips to budget with an irregular income
Budgeting on an irregular income is challenging, but it’s possible. Here’s how to do it.
4 min read Jan 04, 2024 -
5 ways online banks make it easy to save
Online banks offer a number of benefits, and they’re just as safe as brick-and-mortar banks.
2 min read Aug 26, 2022 -
5 winners awarded $10,000 each in Bankrate Drop Your Debt Sweepstakes
Five winners won $10,000 each in Bankrate’s first Drop Your Debt Sweepstakes.
1 min read Jan 06, 2022 -
Survey: 2 in 3 see no boost in personal finances in 2022
U.S. consumers see inflation as the biggest threat to improving personal finances.
4 min read Dec 21, 2021 -
10 ways to save money during the holidays
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and overspend. Here are ways to avoid that trap.
4 min read Dec 21, 2022 -
Worried about your finances and job security beyond the pandemic? Here’s 7 steps to take
More than 3 in 5 Americans are worried about their incomes over the next six months.
8 min read Sep 02, 2022 -
5 tips to beat inflation and overcome shipping problems during your holiday shopping
Experts say it’s time to prepare now for an expensive gift-buying season.
5 min read Dec 01, 2021 -
Survey: More than half of Americans couldn’t cover three months of expenses with an emergency fund
The coronavirus pandemic drained Americans’ savings accounts.
5 min read Jul 22, 2021 -
Child Tax Credit: Here’s how to collect your monthly payments
The first of six monthly Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments start July 15.
7 min read Aug 03, 2021 -
Savings accounts are still an important part of your financial plan, even in a low-rate environment
The savings account has always been a time-tested standby. Here’s why it still matters.
4 min read Aug 21, 2023 -
Your post-pandemic financial checklist: 7 steps to manage your money for long-term success
Before making this your own version of the roaring ’20s, here’s what you may want to consider.
7 min read Mar 11, 2022 -
Still missing your coronavirus stimulus check? Here’s what you should do
Those taxpayers could potentially see thousands of extra dollars when they file for the Recovery Rebate Credit.
7 min read Apr 27, 2021 -
Survey: More than 6 in 10 Americans say $1,400 stimulus checks won’t last three full months
Most plan to spend their stimulus funds on necessities, not on shopping, dining or traveling.
7 min read Jun 07, 2021 -
Stimulus checks: How adult dependents can claim their $1,400 payment
For the first time, adult dependents are eligible for a coronavirus stimulus check.
5 min read Apr 26, 2021 -
Child Tax Credit: When will your $3,000 (or $3,600) arrive and who’s eligible?
Experts warn the IRS may be hard-pressed to send out checks starting in July.
5 min read Aug 18, 2021