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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?
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

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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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Here’s what investing pros said about Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s performance while heading up the Federal Reserve.
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Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
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The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
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For people living on a fixed income, the COLA is a critical safety net.
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Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
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It just might be. But don’t forget the fundamentals of how home equity loans work.
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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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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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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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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. Some experts recommend keeping a minimal amount of [...]
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Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
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Breaking up with your old bank need not be a heartbreaking process. Here’s how.
Fresh produce
With a bit of planning, you can reduce your grocery bill. Here’s how.
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Businesses may now be starting to pass along higher costs from tariffs to consumers.
Donald Trump sitting at a desk in the Oval Office.
Tariffs are an import tax on foreign-made goods, and they act like a sales tax.
Jerome Powell, chair of the US Federal Reserve, speaks during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
Uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s policies is keeping the Fed on the sidelines, at least for now.
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Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Still wrestling with inflation, Fed officials might not be so quick to rescue the economy.
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Learn when a CD is worth it, when it is not, and alternatives to consider in 2025.
Home equity lines of credit are growing in size and volume.
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Cryptocurrencies are managed through what’s called a distributed ledger such as blockchain.
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With the Fed holding steady on rates for now, is it still a good time to buy stocks?
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