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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

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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Billions of dollars worth of wrongful unemployment payments have been paid out during the pandemic.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a testimony before Congress
Here’s how this unconventional policy works to try and keep yields below a certain level.
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Apprehensive consumers could stall a post-pandemic boom that many Americans have been clamoring for.
Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Legislators will soon get to work on drawing up the next round of coronavirus relief.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at post-meeting press conference
For consumers, the pros and faults of today’s low-rate world will prevail for months, if not years, to come.
Joe Biden is sworn in as U.S. President as his wife Dr. Jill Biden stands beside him.
Carefully managing your finances will be crucial, even if more aid is around the corner.
President-elect Joe Biden addresses the nation about his plans to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief bill proposal comes during the pandemic’s biggest inflection point yet.
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Green banking is an environmental movement. There are a number of ways consumers can make adjustments to their banking to help the environment.
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We all use our checking accounts for the basic purposes — direct deposit of our paychecks, paying monthly bills and making debit card purchases. And while usually you’re seeing money leave your checking [...]
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Financial markets may drop lower, but APYs on high-yield savings remain high.
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Looking for a stable way to pay off your debts with money left to save? Read on.
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If you have over $25,000 in your savings account, consider these strategies.
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You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
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Knowing how fixed and variable expenses differ can help you improve your finances.
Easy mornings and working from home for this couple
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
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Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
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It just might be. But don’t forget the fundamentals of how home equity loans work.
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This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
Jerome Powell, chair of the US Federal Reserve, speaks during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
Uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s policies is keeping the Fed on the sidelines, at least for now.
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The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
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The Fed’s rate hold means loans costs are sticking. Here’s what it means for your business.
If you’re looking at HE Loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
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