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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.
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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.

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Greg McBride

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Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

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Latest articles

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Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
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JPMorgan raises recession probability to 50%. Learn five practical steps to protect your savings before economic conditions worsen.
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Credit card interest rates have a high mark up over the prime rate. Why are card APRs so high?
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A new credit card, timed right and used strategically, can help you fight high prices.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
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Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
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Subprime borrowers are particularly affected by interest rate changes. Here’s how to prepare.
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The Fed might find itself in a tricky situation.
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GDP expanded by 3.2 percent, but gains came from the typically more volatile components.
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The Fed will most likely hold interest rates steady, but here’s how it could still impact your wallet.
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The free stock trading outfit had previously walked back deposit product plans.
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Federal Reserve officials are giving themselves room to be flexible with monetary policy.
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Challenged by fintech startups, banks are pushing new services to customers.
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The Fed voted to leave interest rates alone for the second-straight meeting.
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Branch banking is rapidly changing with the rise of automation and fintech.
Woman reaching in to the air for cash
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
Man using credit card while online
Credit card interest rates have a high mark up over the prime rate. Why are card APRs so high?
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
Design element including image of Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
US-ECONOMY-FEDERAL RESERVE-RATE-POWELL
The Fed’s rate hold means loans costs are sticking. Here’s what it means for your business.
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Subprime borrowers are particularly affected by interest rate changes. Here’s how to prepare.
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The Fed has hit the pause button on rates. How will it affect the housing market?
If you’re looking at HE Loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
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