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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.
A person wearing a protective mask holds a fuel pump nozzle at a Chevron Corp. gas station in San Francisco, California.
Experts all along had anticipated higher inflation this year, though the question is how long it will last.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks to lawmakers during a testimony.
Experts say higher inflation and a faster rebound could force the Fed’s hand.
A 'Help Wanted' sign is posted beside Coronavirus safety guidelines in front of a restaurant.
The job market has come a long way, but economists’ forecasts suggest more recovery time is needed.
Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a press conference in Washington
The Fed isn’t in a rush to raise rates, but slowing asset purchases appears to be on deck.
Stacks of dollars bills moving through a machine at the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
You might not know it, but the repo market is the bedrock for the financial system.
For Rent sign taped on gated storefront, Queens, New York
The only thing harder than shutting down the world’s largest economy is bringing it all back to life.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks to reporters at a press conference.
As the economy rebounds, don’t expect the Fed’s extraordinary support to last forever.
A man pushes his bags on the departures level at Los Angeles International Airport while wearing a mask.
The worst downturn in a lifetime was also the shortest.
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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