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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?
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I give this advice to all of my clients who are approaching retirement.
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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

Travelers move through the Moynihan Train Hall in Manhattan
The best time to prepare for a recession is when a downturn doesn’t seem possible.
Whimsical illustration of an enlarged coin on a roller coaster ride
The cost of high inflation is even greater than rising prices.
Gray house with a 'For Sale' sign that says, "Reduced"
What to consider if you need to sell your house during a recession — or just before one.
U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell attends a press conference
The Fed won’t want to declare victory in its inflation fight too soon.
People queue up outside the headquarters of Silicon Valley Bank
Recession odds stalled to the start the year — but those risks are back.
People buy in a grocery store
Will a recession be the ultimate cost of slowing prices?
Now hiring sign in a shop window
Experts see job cuts and a one-point jump in unemployment by this time next year.
Members of the media interview a Silicon Valley Bank customer outside of the bank office
Silicon Valley Bank’s failure caused quite a stir. Here’s what’s going on there now.
A woman holds a phone at an office
Savers can stash their cash in a brokerage these days to rack up returns.
Smiling person with smartphone walking on the street
Looking to use Zelle for a transfer? Here are the Zelle limits at various banks.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Panorama of aerial view of Downtown Houston, Texas, USA
As the old saying goes: “Everything is bigger in Texas.” And that’s also true of your list of options when choosing a bank or credit union in the state.
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If you’re looking to save with a credit union, here are the top rates available.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Man watering plants
Interest is the price you pay to borrow money or the cost you charge to lend money.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
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.
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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