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
How to buy a house in 2025
Mortgages
Buying a home is complicated. This step-by-step guide will help you get to the finish line.
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.
Now is still a good time to consider CDs for your portfolio. Here are five reasons.
I’ve been in financial services for nearly 14 years and have helped customers with the most common deposit products, but this month was the first time I opened a certificate of deposit (CD) for myse [...]
Savers can still earn yields on deposit accounts that are outpacing inflation, even as some yields have decreased recently as banks anticipate a likely Federal Reserve rate cut in September. One such option [...]
Despite strong economic indicators, many Americans are experiencing a “vibecession.”
Make your mid-career break a success with these five ways to save for a year off.
Whether you hope to buy a home or just rent for a while, a solid savings plan is the key to finally moving out of your parents’ house.
Overpaid in unemployment benefits? Here’s how to resolve the issue efficiently.
Closing a savings or checking account that’s in good standing won’t hurt your credit in any way.
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