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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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Cashier’s checks and money orders are similar. Here’s when to use one instead of the other.
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Despite political pressure, the Fed is expected to maintain interest rates.
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How much money you keep at home depends on your personal situation, including your need for cash in everyday life as well as in an emergency situation. Some experts recommend keeping a minimal amount of [...]
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Breaking up with your old bank need not be a heartbreaking process. Here’s how.
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With a bit of planning, you can reduce your grocery bill. Here’s how.
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Learn how to earn the highest interest rates on a savings account.
FDIC
Bankrate’s list of all the failed banks in every U.S. state from 2009 to 2025.
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If you have $10,000 to invest in a CD right now, here’s how much you could earn.
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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.
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.
illustration of money growing on trees
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.
young woman smiling on city sidewalk
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.
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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.
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It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
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 [...]
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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