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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?
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

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Latest articles

Illustration of a person holding a house with a rain cloud over it
How might a recession affect the housing market?
Dollar sign balloon being blown up by a pump on a green background with an arrow pointing down to the right
How to find the best high-yield savings account in times of high inflation
Illustrated collage of a house shape made of money
Your lender could cap, cut or even close your credit line. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare.
Image of the back of a man in a suit standing in front of a large line graph that is on top of a half shredded U.S. Dollar.
Stagflation is an economic “super villain,” bringing high inflation and unemployment.
A young man trades crypto in his home office on his smartphone.
Here’s what crypto experts say you should expect from digital assets if a recession is on the horizon.
Woman reaching in to the air for cash
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
Image of Jerome Powell and Donald Trump side by side above the Federal Reserve building.
Lower rates won’t fix trade uncertainty, and credit could still be tight.
Home Finances
Here’s how to earn more interest with a high-yield savings account.
Stylized image of Trump wearing a Maga hat pointing to the left above the Federal Trade building.
If the Fed’s independence is jeopardized, here’s what experts say it could mean for your wallet.
Family planting trees in a park.
Green banking is an environmental movement. There are a number of ways consumers can make adjustments to their banking to help the environment.
Older woman and child putting pennies in a jar
We all use our checking accounts for the basic purposes — direct deposit of our paychecks, paying monthly bills and making debit card purchases. And while usually you’re seeing money leave your checking [...]
Man using his tablet for online banking
Financial markets may drop lower, but APYs on high-yield savings remain high.
Women using digital tablet to check her finances at home office
Looking for a stable way to pay off your debts with money left to save? Read on.
Illustration of safe with money
If you have over $25,000 in your savings account, consider these strategies.
young man falling out of the sky along with various household items and cash
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
Two women having takeout food at home
Knowing how fixed and variable expenses differ can help you improve your finances.
A Sorry we're closed sign hands in a shop window
With the market awash with cash, stocks are rising regardless of the fundamentals.
Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
A long road likely lies ahead for the economy. What stimulus might we see to help a return to normal?
The Fed will turn to new tactics that include capping yields and expanding its balance sheet.
Grocery store shopper with mask
Forecasts were wide-ranging when it comes to predicting how much damage the pandemic caused.
A sign stating that job placement program is closed during coronavirus pandemic.
Joblessness has surged to catastrophic levels not seen for nearly a century.
A man wearing a mask walks past the U.S. Federal Reserve building in Washington D.C.
One of the Fed’s greatest fears is a slow and grueling economic recovery.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell talks to reporters at press conference
The coronavirus pandemic has brought the U.S. economy to its knees.
A front view of the Federal Reserve Bank
Consumers get more access to their savings at a time when they may urgently need it.
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