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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

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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.

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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

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Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
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JPMorgan raises recession probability to 50%. Learn five practical steps to protect your savings before economic conditions worsen.
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Credit card interest rates have a high mark up over the prime rate. Why are card APRs so high?
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A new credit card, timed right and used strategically, can help you fight high prices.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
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Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
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The Fed’s rate hold means loans costs are sticking. Here’s what it means for your business.
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Subprime borrowers are particularly affected by interest rate changes. Here’s how to prepare.
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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
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Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
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These joint checking accounts are ideal for sharing finances with another person.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Image by GettyImages, Illustrated by Bankrate
The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
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You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
Federal Reserve chair
The Fed will most likely hold interest rates steady, but here’s how it could still impact your wallet.
Jerome Powell Fed FOMC Decision Day
The Fed voted to leave interest rates alone for the second-straight meeting.
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Two-thirds of economists surveyed say the U.S. central bank will increase borrowing costs again in 2019.
Chairman of the Federal Reserve nominee Jerome Powell is sworn in during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee
Learn all about Jerome Powell, who is presiding over his first FOMC policy meeting.
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