Banking
The ‘Silent Recession:’ Economists say the economy is strong, but most Americans feel like they’re living in a downturn
15 min read
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.”
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
Should you buy a house during a recession?
Real Estate
How might a recession affect the housing market?
Retiring in 5 years? I tell my clients to take these 2 steps to safeguard their retirement plan
Retirement
I give this advice to all of my clients who are approaching retirement.
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
Chief Financial Analyst
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
Senior Economic Analyst
Editor's picks
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
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its January 2026 meeting.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
After years of being passed over by established banks, startups are working to shift the paradigm in financial services and better serve LGBTQ customers. Here’s what the disruptors are building, how [...]
Learn the key characteristics of certified checks and how they differ from other types of payments.
Inflation can eat away at your purchasing power, if you’re not keeping up with it.
These tips can help you manage your money more wisely and make you a bit richer.
Several banks are offering high-yield savings accounts well above 4 percent APY.
More than half of Americans also say the U.S. economy is on the wrong track.
Tariffs haven’t created much inflation. You still won’t hear the Fed say all clear.
Here’s what you need to know about how money orders work.
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its January 2026 meeting.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information