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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.
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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

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The U.S. economy expanded at a slower pace in the fourth quarter of 2018, but came in well ahead of estimates.
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Powell faced criticism from Democratic congressmen for his positive evaluation of the job market despite a period of slow pay gains.
Jerome Powell speaks at Federal Reserve
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell delivered a positive assessment of the U.S. economy that nonetheless faces some risks.
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Experts are betting that a recession will occur by the end of 2021, a new survey suggests.
Federal Reserve building
Will the Federal Reserve raise borrowing costs two times in 2019, as it initially anticipated? That’s a question even the officials on the inside can’t answer.
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It could save you time when switching accounts and even inspire you to build a bank of your own.
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Chairman of the Federal Reserve nominee Jerome Powell is sworn in during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee
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Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.
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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.
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It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
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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.
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Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.
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Financial goals are measuring sticks that apply to any area of your money management skills that you’re looking to improve.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 15, 2025.
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Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 12, 2025.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 11, 2025.
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Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 10, 2025.
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Knowing how these accounts work, and how they differ, can help better your finances.
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Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 9, 2025.
Fed rate hike to curb inflation, wooden block with FED and up-down arrows icon. Central banking system and interest rate changes.
We look back at how banks handled rate cuts in 2024, and what to expect in 2025.
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