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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

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.
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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

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaking behind a podium.
The best way for most investors to approach this type of market is to stick to the long-term plan.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks from a podium
The Federal Reserve announced that it’s lowering interest rates following its Nov. 6-7 meeting.
President-elect Donald Trump points out to an audience
Many investors expect that the government will maintain high deficit spending.
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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Here’s a look at what a number of popular banks are doing.
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Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Some high-profile economists have called the Fed’s half-point call “a mistake.”
Design element with Jerome H. Powell chairman of the Board of Governors
Rate cuts are coming. Just don’t call this a low-rate environment just yet.
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Confused about finding an HSA? Use these tips to determine the best deal for you.
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Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
exterior of Bank of America branch building
Knowing bank holiday schedules can help you avoid delays on necessary transactions.
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Exchanging currency can be costly. Here are the most affordable ways to do it.
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Here’s how much $10,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
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An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.
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Here’s everything you need to know about savings accounts.
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Checking and savings accounts are different. Should you have one, the other — or both?
Home decorated for autumn
It just might be. But don’t forget the fundamentals of how home equity loans work.
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.
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.
Calm focused female freelancer in casual clothes revising reports while sitting on soft couch at table and using computer in light contemporary apartment
Subprime borrowers are particularly affected by interest rate changes. Here’s how to prepare.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
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Credit card interest rates have a high mark up over the prime rate. Why are card APRs so high?
Student walking through college campus.
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
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