Skip to Main Content

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

Illustration of a person holding a house with a rain cloud over it
How might a recession affect the housing market?
A middle-aged couple looks out to the beach from their van
Here are some tips to help make sure your retirement savings are protected in the event of a recession.
Illustration of worker with a brief case
The once-booming labor market is starting to face some trouble.

Experts in all things finance

Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.

About Bankrate
Greg McBride

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

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

A music CD underneath a piggy bank
You can find a CD account that significantly out-earns the national average if you shop around among banks.
Rates could soon be within range of their pre-pandemic peaks. There’s a catch.
Design of credit card and graph
Credit card interest rate drops will likely provide little relief in 2026.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
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.
Outside of the Federal Reserve building
The Federal Reserve just lowered interest rates for the first time in four years.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
Young college student with backpack and illustrations of cash
These smartphone apps are great for helping busy students manage their money.
Members of the media interview a Silicon Valley Bank customer outside of the bank office
Silicon Valley Bank’s failure caused quite a stir. Here’s what’s going on there now.
Abstract art of a young man on unstable financial blocks
For younger generations, the economy may feel like it’s never worked in their favor.
Chair Jerome Powell speaks at Fed's post-meeting press conference
The Fed remains focused on battling inflation.
Signature Bank front of building
Here’s what you need to know about the collapse of America’s third-largest bank.
Federal Reserve building
Two bank failures could make the Fed think even more carefully about interest rates.
Jerome Powell speaking at podium
Fed officials are warning interest rates could rise higher than previously expected.
A group of graduates
Several types of saving accounts are available to help your child pay for college.
A music CD underneath a piggy bank
You can find a CD account that significantly out-earns the national average if you shop around among banks.
Design of credit card and graph
Credit card interest rate drops will likely provide little relief in 2026.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
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.
Outside of the Federal Reserve building
The Federal Reserve just lowered interest rates for the first time in four years.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
US-ECONOMY-FEDERAL RESERVE-RATE-POWELL
The Fed’s rate hold means loans costs are sticking. Here’s what it means for your business.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc