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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

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Workers still have less purchasing power today than at the beginning of 2021.
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Looking to boost your savings in today’s economy? Try these not-so-obvious tips.
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These four types of bank accounts can help you meet your financial goals.
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The person-to-person payment tool can allow for easy transactions to friends, family and more.
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Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
Illustration & image by Bankrate
These are the great bank accounts for new grads.
Image & illustration by Bankrate
Competitive rates, fewer fees, and convenience are all reasons to consider online banking.
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These tips can help maximize your savings using certificates of deposit.
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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.
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It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
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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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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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