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. Bankrate's latest survey of economists put the odds at 59%. Here's how to prepare for a potential downturn, and how one could impact you.

Recessions & your money

Recessions and real estate

How might a recession affect the housing market? Find out what the experts think.

7 min read

How to protect retirement savings

Here are some tips to help make sure your retirement savings are protected in the event of a recession.

4 min read

Saving during a recession

Wondering what to do when it comes to saving during a recession? Here’s what the experts have to say.

5 min read

Financial guide for the unemployed

The once-booming labor market is starting to face some trouble.

10 min read

Essential reading

Dive deeper

Fed’s interest rate history: The federal funds rate from 1981 to the present

The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.

10 min read Sep 20, 2023
Take these 11 steps now after the Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate decision

The Fed’s key rate hasn’t been this high for 22 years. Here’s how to respond.

12 min read Sep 20, 2023
How the Fed affects auto loan rates

The Fed rate has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.

3 min read Sep 20, 2023
How the Federal Reserve impacts savings account interest rates

For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed raises interest rates.

4 min read Sep 20, 2023
Biggest winners and losers from the Fed’s interest rate decision

While it stood pat this time, the Federal Reserve has raised rates 11 times in this cycle.

6 min read Sep 20, 2023
Why are credit card APRs so high?

Credit card interest rates have a high mark up over the prime rate. Why are card APRs so high?

4 min read Sep 20, 2023
How a new credit card can fight against inflation

Prices are rising. A rewards credit card, timed right and used strategically, can help you fight inflation.

3 min read Sep 20, 2023
Subprime credit card holders hit hardest by rising interest rates

Why subprime borrowers are vulnerable to rising interest rates, and how to prepare.

5 min read Sep 20, 2023
Should you pay off your mortgage before a recession?

Owing money on a house can feel risky, but keep in mind where mortgages rank in the debt hierarchy.

4 min read Sep 20, 2023
The Federal Reserve impacts your money in these 6 main ways

Every financial decision you make comes back to the Federal Reserve.

13 min read Sep 18, 2023