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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.
Learn more

Recessions & your money

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How might a recession affect the housing market?
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I give this advice to all of my clients who are approaching retirement.
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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

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

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Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
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The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
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The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its January 2026 meeting.
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Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
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.
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How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
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Savers can stash their cash in a brokerage these days to rack up returns.
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Looking to use Zelle for a transfer? Here are the Zelle limits at various banks.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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As the old saying goes: “Everything is bigger in Texas.” And that’s also true of your list of options when choosing a bank or credit union in the state.
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If you’re looking to save with a credit union, here are the top rates available.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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Interest is the price you pay to borrow money or the cost you charge to lend money.
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As the Fed hints at lowering interest rates, here’s how to prepare when rates fall.
Overdraft protection can be a helpful and convenient tool to avoid paying a steeper overdraft fee.
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Workers still have less purchasing power today than at the beginning of 2021.
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These tips can help maximize your savings using certificates of deposit.
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Learn when a CD is worth it, when it is not, and alternatives to consider in 2025.
It just might be. But don’t forget the fundamentals of how home equity loans work.
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Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
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Despite political pressure, the Fed is expected to maintain interest rates.
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