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

Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Illustration of gift box surrounded by an up arrow representing higher inflation.
Here’s what to skip and what to buy — and how to tariff-proof your budget.
Distressed woman holding a baby looking for jobs on a laptop
Overwhelmed state unemployment offices have left Americans without aid for weeks, if not longer.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, during the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Borrowers often don’t notice small rate cuts, and a weakening economy could dull the relief.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
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.
Photo of cash with design element
How much money you keep at home depends on your personal situation, including your need for cash in everyday life as well as in an emergency situation. Elliot Pepper, CPA, CFP, MST, financial planner and [...]
Bank teller with customer
These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
woman sitting on her couch and looking at her phone and credit card
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
Cashier and customer at grocery store checkout
You can get a money order from many places. Here’s what you need to know.
person using mobile phone leaning on railing
A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Applicants sometimes have past problems such as an unpaid negative balance [...]
Artistic rendering of a Bank building attached to unrealistically large chains
Linking bank accounts is a way to make it easier to transact between the two.
Young female customer talking to cashier at checkout in supermarket
Now that the U.S. Mint is done producing pennies, what happens to consumer prices?
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
A "Now Hiring" sign is displayed on a shopfront
The economy may still be on stable footing, but how long will it last?
A woman shops for groceries
It might not be here yet, but a recession could be coming.
Illustration of shopper with cell phone
Some purchases could cost you hundreds more today than a year ago.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at the June post-meeting press conference
The Fed hasn’t raised rates this much in a single year since 1994.
A customer shops at a grocery store.
Americans are desperately waiting for some relief from inflation.
Illustration of person at a kitchen table frustrated over finances
Americans are finding it impossible to avoid inflation.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at press conference
The majority put the economy’s recession chances at 50 percent or more.
A customer holds a fuel nozzle at a Shell gas station in California
High inflation has a financial toll similar to job loss.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc