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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.
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Recessions & your money

Illustration of a person holding a house with a rain cloud over it
How might a recession affect the housing market? Find out what the experts think.
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.

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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

Calculate your savings

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Latest articles

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The Federal Reserve just lowered interest rates for the first time in four years.
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The Golden State may just be too expensive of a place for many Americans to spend their golden years.
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A look at what a bank bailout is with some examples of notable bank bailouts from the past.
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If you’ve been thinking of getting a longer-term CD, you may want to make a move.
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The housing market in Q4 2024 will see high prices but lower rates.
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Financial stress is common during the holidays. These tips can help.
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A new credit card, timed right and used strategically, can help you fight high prices.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference
Fed officials are trying to prevent an economic slowdown from getting worse.
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Economists see a slower job market in the year ahead but recession odds remain low.
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Many of these options are flexible to your schedule.
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A bank reconciliation statement helps you track business finances and catch errors.
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Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
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Looking for a place to park your savings? Here’s why a MMA might be appealing.
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Short answer? Yes. Here’s what you need to know.
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Getting into the habit of paying yourself first is hard. Here are some ideas to help you start.
Mother with baby paying bills online.
Budgeting is key to understanding where your household’s money is going.
Young forlorn woman sitting down with a suitcase packed
Hit with mounting housing woes, young people ask: Wait it out or make a sacrifice?
Man in a yellow construction jacket and hard hat
Experts, however, still don’t see a labor market as tough as it was during the pandemic.
Woman walking throw a bunch of floating produce items and cash
While the worst of inflation may be over, the battle hasn’t yet been won.
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A recession hasn’t happened yet, but it’s likely still coming, economists say.
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Economists are taking the Fed at its word, penciling in more rate hikes.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a post-meeting press conference
The Fed’s quest to defeat inflation, however, is nowhere near finished.
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Americans don’t have many places to hide from high inflation.
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Learn about five ways in which you can break out of the credit card debt cycle.
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