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Recession watch

Will the U.S. economy soon be in a recession? It's the trillion-dollar question that even experts don't know the answer to. Here's how to prepare for a potential downturn, and how one could impact you.

Insights from our expert analysts

“Economic uncertainty is a time for reducing debt and boosting savings, not the other way around.”

– Greg McBride, CFA

Do's and don'ts of saving during a recession

To help you navigate saving during a recession, we asked a number of experts what some of the most helpful things to do are, as well as some things you should try to avoid at all costs.
Learn more

Recessions & your money

how to buy a house - suburban home photo illustration
Buying a home is complicated. This step-by-step guide will help you get to the finish line.
Illustration of worker with a brief case
The once-booming labor market is starting to face some trouble.

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

The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
New Friends Walking on University Campus
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
Outside of the Federal Reserve building
The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its January 2026 meeting.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
Exterior of Federal Reserve building
Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Consumer grabbing water bottle with mask during coronavirus
Americans remain cautious about making in-person trips to businesses.
Customers walk past a Chase Bank branch.
Find out who’s waiving fees and helping families facing a financial hardship from the COVID-19 outbreak.
A picture of the coronavirus on a blue background
Half of those same households report having taken on more debt.
A sign stating that job placement program is closed during coronavirus pandemic.
Joblessness has surged to catastrophic levels not seen for nearly a century.
A man wearing a mask walks past the U.S. Federal Reserve building in Washington D.C.
One of the Fed’s greatest fears is a slow and grueling economic recovery.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell talks to reporters at press conference
The coronavirus pandemic has brought the U.S. economy to its knees.
A custom image of a $100 bill and a mask.
Stimulus checks have arrived, but more support is needed from political leaders, consumers say.
A front view of the Federal Reserve Bank
Consumers get more access to their savings at a time when they may urgently need it.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
New Friends Walking on University Campus
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
Outside of the Federal Reserve building
The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its January 2026 meeting.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
Exterior of Federal Reserve building
Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
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