Banking
Take the 52-week money challenge: What it is and how to do it
4 min read
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
Bankrate offers 18 ideas for stretching your budget to save money.
If your discretionary income is low, you could pay $0 on your federal student loans.
Our guide tackles the basics of disposable income and how you can use it to budget.
Essential reading
How to start (and build) an emergency fund
11 min read
The best places to keep your emergency fund
7 min read
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.
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Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 12, 2025.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 11, 2025.
Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.
An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.
It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
Here’s a helpful guide to how much you need in savings over the course of your life.
Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.
Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.
Financial goals are measuring sticks that apply to any area of your money management skills that you’re looking to improve.
Now might be the time to dust off those paper bonds and cash them in. Here’s what you need to know.
Recent Bankrate data shows that young people are the ones most optimistic about their finances.
Losing your wallet can be reduced to a minor inconvenience if you know what to do.
Online banks typically offer savings accounts with much higher yields than brick-and-mortar banks.
Losing a savings bond doesn’t mean it’s money lost. Here’s how to find it.
Even small contributions to savings can substantially add up — if you give it time.
There are savings opportunities in the current interest rate environment.
They don’t call it high yield for no reason. Here’s how to boost your savings.
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