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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

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

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

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How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
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Here’s what to skip and what to buy — and how to tariff-proof your budget.
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Overwhelmed state unemployment offices have left Americans without aid for weeks, if not longer.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, during the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Borrowers often don’t notice small rate cuts, and a weakening economy could dull the relief.
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Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
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Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
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The best savings accounts for teenagers offer competitive rates and charge no fees.
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Here are top accounts for features like ATM fee waivers, overdraft forgiveness and more.
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Even the smallest of these big banks has enormously deep pockets.
Currently, you can lock in annual percentage yields (APYs) on certificates of deposit (CDs) above 4 percent on many nationally available CDs, while a select few financial institutions offer promotional [...]
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Savings APYs remain high as the Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady.
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Chime offers checking and savings accounts via partnerships with FDIC-insured banks.
A pink piggy bank being held by a robotic/animatronic hand.
Banks have been loudly touting their multi-billion-dollar investments in artificial intelligence as a breakthrough for consumers. CEOs speak at conferences about AI-powered personalization. Marketing departments [...]
Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, during the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Borrowers often don’t notice small rate cuts, and a weakening economy could dull the relief.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
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.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
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