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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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Money market accounts and checking accounts are both deposit accounts available at many banks and credit unions. While many money market accounts and most checking accounts offer the capability of writing [...]
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Over 1 in 4 workers are more worried about job security since 2025 began.
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For many of us, saving money feels like an uphill battle.
Here’s everything you need to know about using PayPal as a bank account.
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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 16, 2025.
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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 [...]
College students on graduation day, celebrating
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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