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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.
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.
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.
pile of US savings bonds
Losing a savings bond doesn’t mean it’s money lost. Here’s how to find it.
United States Treasury savings bonds.
You’ve matured, but those savings bonds from childhood may still need more time.
Women using digital tablet to check her finances at home office
For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed lowers interest rates.
Computer artwork of a businessman looking at giant, white piggy bank.
Get ahead of your savings by raising your rate by an amount you prefer. Here’s how.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 16, 2025.
Senate building in Washington DC
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — a main line of defense against unfair banking practices — has been dramatically scaled back under the Trump administration. In May 2025, Congress overturned [...]
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Check out Bankrate’s savings picks to help you start off on a long financial future.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 15, 2025.
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