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

A music CD underneath a piggy bank
You can find a CD account that significantly out-earns the national average if you shop around among banks.
Rates could soon be within range of their pre-pandemic peaks. There’s a catch.
Design of credit card and graph
Credit card interest rate drops will likely provide little relief in 2026.
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.
Person folds his hands in front of their face
A bank may deny you a checking account. Here is what you can do next.
Young Man Sitting On Wheelchair Using Laptop
Opening a money market account involves just a few simple steps and it can really pay off.
In 2024, three Federal Reserve rate cuts spurred declining yields on many deposit accounts, although savers were able to benefit from locking in strong yields on certificates of deposit (CDs). While the [...]
A music CD underneath a piggy bank
You can find a CD account that significantly out-earns the national average if you shop around among banks.
Man Working At Computer And Talking To Clients On Phone
These popular banks are available to speak with customers around-the-clock.
Planning, finance and couple with paper and laptop for budget
These joint checking accounts are ideal for sharing finances with another person.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
A wide-angle image of the front of the Federal Reserve HQ in Washington, DC. The U.S. flag is prominently displayed on the front of the building.
Despite political pressure, the Fed is expected to maintain interest rates.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell standing behind President Donald Trump.
Trump wants lower interest rates now, but Fed Chair Jerome Powell says inflation remains too hot.
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.
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 trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc