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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

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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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Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, during the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
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If you’re one of the 80 million Chase Bank customers, chances are you already know of many benefits to banking with the largest banks in the U.S.: cardless ATM access, a robust mobile app and overdraft [...]
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You can invest in a CD. You don’t technically invest in an IRA. Here’s what else to know.
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The concept is seen as a way to boost innovation and competition, ultimately giving consumers better digital options for their money.
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A certified financial planner shares a practical five-step strategy to protect your finances from inflation’s ongoing impact.
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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