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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

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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.

About Bankrate
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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JPMorgan raises recession probability to 50%. Learn five practical steps to protect your savings before economic conditions worsen.
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Credit card interest rates have a high mark up over the prime rate. Why are card APRs so high?
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Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
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A new credit card, timed right and used strategically, can help you fight high prices.
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Subprime borrowers are particularly affected by interest rate changes. Here’s how to prepare.
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Here are five of the best inflation hedges to help protect your portfolio against inflation.
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Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
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The term “Trumpcession” has been popping up in headlines this week, as economists and market watchers debate whether President Trump’s economic policies could trigger a downturn. But are we actually [...]
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If you’ve been thinking of getting a longer-term CD, you may want to make a move.
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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Jerome Powell, chair of the US Federal Reserve, during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
The Fed has now gone six months without cutting interest rates.
Spend money, pay bills, write checks or make fund transfers with a checking account.
Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
The Federal Reserve announced that it’s holding interest rates steady following its March 18-19 meeting.
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Consider these four factors when choosing the right high-yield savings account.
Design element with Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
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It just might be. But don’t forget the fundamentals of how home equity loans work.
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The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
US-ECONOMY-FEDERAL RESERVE-RATE-POWELL
The Fed’s rate hold means loans costs are sticking. Here’s what it means for your business.
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Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
If you’re looking at HE Loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
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The Fed has hit the pause button on rates. How will it affect the housing market?
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
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