Skip to Main Content

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.

About Bankrate
Greg McBride

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

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

Home decorated for autumn
It just might be. But don’t forget the fundamentals of how home equity loans work.
Fed chair Jerome Powell makes a speech
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the second consecutive meeting but this time by a smaller quarter of a percentage point.
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.
Calm focused female freelancer in casual clothes revising reports while sitting on soft couch at table and using computer in light contemporary apartment
Subprime borrowers are particularly affected by interest rate changes. Here’s how to prepare.
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.
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?
Student walking through college campus.
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
Jerome Powell speaking. A now hiring banner in the background.
Behind the slowing economy is a Fed determined to defeat red-hot inflation.
A woman reading the label on a food item while out shopping for groceries in her local supermarket.
Here’s how to save money on groceries, utilities and other everyday purchases.
young woman looking away sitting on bed in the room
Financial anxiety – what is it and how to reduce money stress
Comical image of a lady up to her eyes in a pile of cash
Find out who is affected most by financial stress by statistic and how to cope.
Businessman grabs the head concept with business chart on scoreboard
Manage money anxiety in a low rate environment with these savings strategies.
Piggy bank
Here’s how young adults can live within their means while saving for the future.
Young woman withdrawing money using phone at the ATM machine on the street in Budapest in Hungary.
Here are simple steps to take to avoid paying checking account fees.
Holding up a golden piggy bank, balancing on one finger
CDs and fixed annuities can be great retirement options. Here are the differences.
Home decorated for autumn
It just might be. But don’t forget the fundamentals of how home equity loans work.
Fed chair Jerome Powell makes a speech
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the second consecutive meeting but this time by a smaller quarter of a percentage point.
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.
Calm focused female freelancer in casual clothes revising reports while sitting on soft couch at table and using computer in light contemporary apartment
Subprime borrowers are particularly affected by interest rate changes. Here’s how to prepare.
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.
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?
Student walking through college campus.
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc