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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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Wondering what to do when it comes to saving during a recession? Here’s what the experts have to say.
home equity recession
It can be a shrewd move or a financial tripwire.
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How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Anvil suspended over a home
Answers to borrowers most common mortgage forbearance questions
A recession could be good news for homebuyers.
Unless you have specific reasons to be concerned about your job, a recession may actually be a good time to buy a home.
What happens to mortgage rate during a recession?
Here’s what we know from past cycle turns.
Woman reaching in to the air for cash
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
Image of a round pink piggybank in a life raft floating on water.
JPMorgan raises recession probability to 50%. Learn five practical steps to protect your savings before economic conditions worsen.
Piggy bank with cash overflowing
Walk away with stacks of cash just for opening a checking or savings account.
Person filling out money order
Here’s what you need to know about how money orders work.
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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.
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.
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Losing a cashier’s check is much different than losing a personal check.
person working on a laptop
Knowing your financial needs and goals can help you choose where to keep your money.
Federal Reserve chair
The Fed will most likely hold interest rates steady, but here’s how it could still impact your wallet.
Jerome Powell Fed FOMC Decision Day
The Fed voted to leave interest rates alone for the second-straight meeting.
Homes in Chicago neighborhood
Two-thirds of economists surveyed say the U.S. central bank will increase borrowing costs again in 2019.
Chairman of the Federal Reserve nominee Jerome Powell is sworn in during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee
Learn all about Jerome Powell, who is presiding over his first FOMC policy meeting.
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