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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 Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Still wrestling with inflation, Fed officials might not be so quick to rescue the economy.
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.
Trader looks at plummeting stock chart
Is a stock you own plummeting? Here’s how to decide what to do next.
Tensed couple looking over bills
Owing money on a house can feel risky, but keep in mind where mortgages rank in the debt hierarchy.
Illustration of hand reaching into a computer
On average, Americans have kept the same bank accounts for over a decade.
Home equity lines of credit are growing in size and volume.
A picture of various cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies are managed through what’s called a distributed ledger such as blockchain.
Serious businesswoman reading business report on her tablet while standing in a living room.
Before you toss your year-end credit card summary, take a closer look for valuable insights into your finances.
Man Working At Computer And Talking To Clients On Phone
These popular banks are available to speak with customers around-the-clock.
Planning, finance and couple with paper and laptop for budget
These joint checking accounts are ideal for sharing finances with another person.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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.
A woman and daughter work together
A savings account can be a great tool to teach your child about money. Here are a few of our favorites.
A Truist Financial bank branch in Miami, Florida, US
Looking for a nearby Truist Bank location or ATM? Here’s how to find the closest ones.
Currently, you can lock in annual percentage yields (APYs) on certificates of deposit (CDs) at and slightly above 4% with many nationally available CDs. Only a select few financial institutions offer promotional [...]
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
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.
Outside of the Federal Reserve building
The Federal Reserve just lowered interest rates for the first time in four years.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
US-ECONOMY-FEDERAL RESERVE-RATE-POWELL
The Fed’s rate hold means loans costs are sticking. Here’s what it means for your business.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell delivers remarks at a news conference.
The best way for most investors to approach this type of market is to stick to their long-term plan.
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