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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

how to buy a house - suburban home photo illustration
Buying a home is complicated. This step-by-step guide will help you get to the finish line.
Illustration of worker with a brief case
The once-booming labor market is starting to face some trouble.

Calculate your savings

Use our Savings Calculator to help you quickly and accurately estimate the growth of your investment. Set a goal and figure out how much you need to save each month to hit the mark.

Latest articles

Facade of the Marriner S. Eccles building of the United States Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C.
The complicated nature of the Fed’s job can perpetuate some wild claims.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks to journalists at a post-meeting news conference
Fed officials will have decide how much of a slowdown they want to see before calling it quits on rate hikes.
Federal Reserve Headquarters building
The Fed’s job is often to make the difficult choice between low unemployment or low inflation.
People walk past the New York Stock Exchange
Recessions bring discomfort at best — and financial pain at worst.
Jerome Powell Federal Reserve
Interest rates are trending higher. Here are a few reasons to be happy about it.
Picture of cartons of eggs in a grocery store
Some Americans may be getting stung by inflation that’s even higher than the national rate.
Man inserting credit card into gas pump with high prices
With inflation running hot, everyone is looking for ways to save, and credit cards can help.
Young woman using credit card reader at coffee shop counter
A credit card may be a financial tool at your fingertips.
Bank building
Even the smallest of these big banks has enormously deep pockets.
An image of a pink piggy bank standing on top of a green and white striped rocket with smoke coming out of the end of the rocket.
Here’s everything you need to know about high-yield savings accounts.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
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.
Family looking at their finances.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
Bank teller with customer
These credit unions offer great rates and top-notch features — and many make it easy to join.
loan manager with paperwork talking with client in bank branch
The most impressive banks make it easy to interact both on old and new channels.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
New Friends Walking on University Campus
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
Outside of the Federal Reserve building
The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its January 2026 meeting.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
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.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
Woman online banking with a tablet
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
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