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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

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.
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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

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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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Latest articles

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.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
US-ECONOMY-FEDERAL RESERVE-RATE-POWELL
The Fed’s rate hold means loans costs are sticking. Here’s what it means for your business.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell delivers remarks at a news conference.
The best way for most investors to approach this type of market is to stick to their long-term plan.
A woman and daughter work together
A savings account can be a great tool to teach your child about money. Here are a few of our favorites.
A Truist Financial bank branch in Miami, Florida, US
Looking for a nearby Truist Bank location or ATM? Here’s how to find the closest ones.
Currently, you can lock in annual percentage yields (APYs) on certificates of deposit (CDs) at and slightly above 4% with many nationally available CDs. Only a select few financial institutions offer promotional [...]
Woman at bank talking to teller
Checking and savings accounts are different. Should you have one, the other — or both?
These expert tips can help keep your bank and financial accounts safe from hackers.
Cash in gloved hand
Depositing cash into someone’s account isn’t always possible, but there are options.
Young worried man working at home
Learn why a bank could close your account and what to about it.
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It’s important to find the right accounts for your emergency savings.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaking behind a podium.
Here’s what investing pros said about Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s performance while heading up the Federal Reserve.
Design element with Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
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?
Design element including image of Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
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Subprime borrowers are particularly affected by interest rate changes. Here’s how to prepare.
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Here are five of the best inflation hedges to help protect your portfolio against inflation.
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And if so, how low can they go?
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