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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.
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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

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Even though nationwide economic numbers paint a rosy picture overall, many Americans have been left behind.
President Donald Trump talking
Here’s why Fed officials are so concerned about the trade war right now.
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Employers created fewer jobs than expected, and the numbers for April were revised down.
American consumers with big shopping bags
Bankrate’s latest Economic Indicator survey finds economists are revisiting Fed policy predictions.
Man paying with credit card
With the best job market in decades, the Fed is wondering why there isn’t more inflation.
Jerome Powell at press conference
The Fed continues to delay any interest rate moves amid persistently low inflation.
Federal Reserve chair
The Fed will most likely hold interest rates steady, but here’s how it could still impact your wallet.
Woman leading a presentation
Planning the right moves now can help you later when times get tough.
Mom preparing financial paperwork at home while her child draws next to her
Single people and young families tend to have significantly less saved.
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A new CFPB rule will make it easier for people to transfer their data between banks.
Person on laptop computer
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.
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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?
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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.
Man working on laptop and cellphone simultaneously
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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