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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

how to buy a house - suburban home photo illustration
Buying a home is complicated. This step-by-step guide will help you get to the finish line.
Illustration of worker with a brief case
The once-booming labor market is starting to face some trouble.

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

The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
New Friends Walking on University Campus
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
Outside of the Federal Reserve building
The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its January 2026 meeting.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
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.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate
Here’s why you should avoid being underbanked and how to ensure that you aren’t.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Clocks are displayed across an image of a dollar bill.
Take a look at the days when CDs were offering investors double-digit returns.
A friendly female customer service representative
These are the 10 largest credit unions in the United States based on assets.
A bank building with a large gold medal hanging from it
The best bank and credit union for you will depend on your banking needs, but in general, the best banks offer accounts with low or no minimum balance requirements and don’t charge monthly fees — or [...]
Mature woman helps her daughter study for exam
High-yield savings rates fluctuate over time. Let’s explore what causes that.
U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell attends a press conference
The Fed won’t want to declare victory in its inflation fight too soon.
People queue up outside the headquarters of Silicon Valley Bank
Recession odds stalled to the start the year — but those risks are back.
People buy in a grocery store
Will a recession be the ultimate cost of slowing prices?
Now hiring sign in a shop window
Experts see job cuts and a one-point jump in unemployment by this time next year.
Members of the media interview a Silicon Valley Bank customer outside of the bank office
Silicon Valley Bank’s failure caused quite a stir. Here’s what’s going on there now.
Abstract art of a young man on unstable financial blocks
For younger generations, the economy may feel like it’s never worked in their favor.
Chair Jerome Powell speaks at Fed's post-meeting press conference
The Fed remains focused on battling inflation.
Jerome Powell speaking at podium
Fed officials are warning interest rates could rise higher than previously expected.
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