Skip to Main Content

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.
Woman sitting on a sofa looking at her laptop
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

A young man uses an ATM.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
A little girl gets a vaccination.
Setting aside pretax dollars in an HSA can help you defray future medical costs.
Young Woman Checking Her Finances At Home
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
close up of hands signing a check
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
woman holding a child and working online at home
Being able to open a checking and savings account can help build financial security.
man using an atm
ATMs are useful for depositing money, checking your balance, and more, but be aware of possible issues that may arise.
Illustration of cash under a beach umbrella
Here’s how much $10,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
Person shopping at grocery store choosing oranges in the supermarket
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.
Man using cell phone in living room
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.
illustration of money growing on trees
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.
young woman smiling on city sidewalk
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.
Two coworkers sharing an interaction in a nice office building
Here’s what you need to do to become a credit union member.
Young male driver using smart phone while sitting in delivery van
These strategies will help you manage multiple income streams.
A teacher and children drawing the globe in chalk
These tips can help students maximize savings from their summer job earnings.
Young university student reading a book in the library
Graduating from college without the burden of student loan debt has significant benefits.
Bank of America building
Bank of America is to pay $250 million for doubling fees and opening fake accounts.
Waitress texting in hallway
On-demand pay is convenient, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
Illustration of cell phone
Adding game elements to savings apps can push consumers to boost savings.
family playing board game
Here are the top old-school money ideas that can still help you save this year.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc