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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

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.
Banking_How-the-Fed-Rate-Affects-Housing_
The Fed has cut rates by half a percentage point — how will that affect the housing market?
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
Fed chair Jerome Powell walks into a conference
The Federal Reserve announced that it’s lowering interest rates following its September 17-18 meeting.
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.
Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
Home decorated for autumn
It just might be. But don’t forget the fundamentals of how home equity loans work.
Mom preparing financial paperwork at home while her child draws next to her
Single people and young families tend to have significantly less saved.
Close up of woman's hand typing on computer keyboard in the dark against colourful bokeh in background, working late on laptop at home
A new CFPB rule will make it easier for people to transfer their data between banks.
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The APY percentage shows how much an account earns per year. Here’s what you need to know.
Ghost of Halloween uses a laptop to surf the Internet
Don’t let the fear of saving leave you in the dark. Avoid these 10 savings mistakes.
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.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Kids playing with blocks at a school.
A new Bankrate study reveals where infant care is the most and least affordable in the U.S.
Kids playing with blocks at a school.
A new Bankrate study reveals where infant care is the most and least affordable in the U.S.
A woman holding a "home for sale" sign
Following the Federal Reserve rate cut in September, you might be asking, is it time to buy or sell a home? Here are some insights.
Outside of the Federal Reserve building
The Federal Reserve just lowered interest rates for the first time in four years.
Residential area with architectural homes on Main Street
And if so, how low can they go?
Illustration of a person holding a house with a rain cloud over it
How might a recession affect the housing market?
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.
Picture of the front of the Federal Reserve building
A look at what a bank bailout is with some examples of notable bank bailouts from the past.
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If you’ve been thinking of getting a longer-term CD, you may want to make a move.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference
Fed officials are trying to prevent an economic slowdown from getting worse.
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