Banking
The ‘Silent Recession:’ Economists say the economy is strong, but most Americans feel like they’re living in a downturn
15 min read
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.”
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 in 2026
Mortgages
Buying a home is complicated. This step-by-step guide will help you get to the finish line.
Retiring in 5 years? I tell my clients to take these 2 steps to safeguard their retirement plan
Retirement
I give this advice to all of my clients who are approaching retirement.
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.
About Bankrate
Chief Financial Analyst
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
Senior Economic Analyst
Editor's picks
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
A deep, prolonged downturn separates the inevitable recession from its uglier counterpart, the depression.
With the U.S. economy facing a sharp recession, rock-bottom rates are expected to continue.
The Fed will turn to new tactics that include capping yields and expanding its balance sheet.
Forecasts were wide-ranging when it comes to predicting how much damage the pandemic caused.
Americans remain cautious about making in-person trips to businesses.
Joblessness has surged to catastrophic levels not seen for nearly a century.
One of the Fed’s greatest fears is a slow and grueling economic recovery.
The coronavirus pandemic has brought the U.S. economy to its knees.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Take a look at the days when CDs were offering investors double-digit returns.
These are the 10 largest credit unions in the United States based on assets.
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
The best bank and credit union for you will depend on your banking needs, but in general, the best banks offer accounts with low or no minimum balance requirements and don’t charge monthly fees — or [...]
High-yield savings rates fluctuate over time. Let’s explore what causes that.
The top high-yield savings accounts are currently earning APYs of 5 percent and greater.
Setting up direct deposit is typically easy and can save you a lot of time. Here’s how.
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.
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its January 2026 meeting.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information