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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

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Here are ways to save money and improve financial health in times of inflation.
Donald Trump presiding over the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange.
The coming year still looks like it has the potential for attractive returns.
Hand holidng a credit ard
If you have credit card debt, your interest rates are likely to remain high in 2025.
Illustration of a person holding money, while interest rates are moving in the background
Consumers are about to enter another year with historically elevated interest rates.
You can find a CD account that significantly out-earns the national average if you shop around among banks.
Federal Reserve Board Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference.
Fed officials, however, are uncertain about how many times they’ll be able to cut borrowing costs 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.
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How much money you keep at home depends on your personal situation, including your need for cash in everyday life as well as in an emergency situation. Elliot Pepper, CPA, CFP, MST, financial planner and [...]
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These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
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Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
Cashier and customer at grocery store checkout
You can get a money order from many places. Here’s what you need to know.
person using mobile phone leaning on railing
A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Applicants sometimes have past problems such as an unpaid negative balance [...]
Artistic rendering of a Bank building attached to unrealistically large chains
Linking bank accounts is a way to make it easier to transact between the two.
Young female customer talking to cashier at checkout in supermarket
Now that the U.S. Mint is done producing pennies, what happens to consumer prices?
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, during the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Borrowers often don’t notice small rate cuts, and a weakening economy could dull the relief.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
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.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
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