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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.
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.
Easy mornings and working from home for this couple
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
Stay on top of your money with the right balance between your checking and savings.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Jerome Powell Federal Reserve Chairman
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Cash-out refis are out, and home equity lines of credit are in.
You can find a CD account that significantly out-earns the national average if you shop around among banks.
Hand holidng a credit ard
If you have credit card debt, your interest rates are likely to remain high in 2025.
Design element of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell
The Fed is expected to cut interest rates a third time. Here’s what to watch.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Fed officials are still widely expected to cut interest rates for a third time.
Fed chair Jerome Powell makes a speech
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the second consecutive meeting but this time by a smaller quarter of a percentage point.
Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve of the United States
Follow along as Bankrate’s experts break down the Fed’s next interest rate decision.
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