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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

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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.
Illustration of shopper with cell phone
Some purchases could cost you hundreds more today than a year ago.
Illustration of worker with a brief case
The once-booming labor market is starting to face some trouble.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at the June post-meeting press conference
The Fed hasn’t raised rates this much in a single year since 1994.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a March business conference
The economy doesn’t need the punchbowl anymore, but raising rates will still bring pain.
Woman painting watercolor
Being successful as a freelancer requires strong money management skills — these tips can help.
A customer shops at a grocery store.
Americans are desperately waiting for some relief from inflation.
People walk by the New York Stock Exchange
The results highlight experts’ concerns about the U.S. economy.
Illustration of person at a kitchen table frustrated over finances
Americans are finding it impossible to avoid inflation.
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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