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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

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.
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Our guide tackles the basics of disposable income and how you can use it to budget.

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.

Latest articles

Illustrated by Bankrate
Big banks pay just 0.01% APY while online banks offer 4% or more. Your $10,000 could earn over $800 more over two years.
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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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.
Young woman withdrawing money using phone at the ATM machine on the street in Budapest in Hungary.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Someone cutting a stack of cash with scissors
In this era of no-fee banking, pesky fees still exist. Here’s how to avoid them.
Young woman walking on the street
Here’s what other banks have to offer that you might be missing out on at yours.
close up of hands writing a check
Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
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Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.
Illustration of construction workers on a roof
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.
Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.
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.
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.
Illustrated by Bankrate
Paying medical expenses with pre-tax dollars is smart, but budgeting is key.
Man at coffee shop
Top APYs on high-yield savings are above 4%, despite a recent U.S. credit downgrade.
woman, using laptop while working from home
Top high-yielding savings accounts continue to handily outpace inflation.
Focused young woman entering banking credit card information in computer application, making household payments online, booking flight tickets or hotel, purchasing goods or confirming transaction.
APYs on high-yield savings accounts remain competitive after Fed rate decision.
Woman working from home with a child in the background
A new Bankrate analysis shows mothers earned 31 percent less in wages than fathers in 2023.
Image of a round pink piggybank in a life raft floating on water.
JPMorgan raises recession probability to 50%. Learn five practical steps to protect your savings before economic conditions worsen.
Image by Getty Images, Illustration by Bankrate
Recession risks are rising. Learn six smart savings strategies to protect your money before it hits.
Image by Getty Images, Illustration by Bankrate
Learn six practical ways to safeguard your finances amid economic uncertainty, from strengthening banking security to finding better rates.
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