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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?
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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

Jerome Powell at press conference
The Fed continues to delay any interest rate moves amid persistently low inflation.
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.
Wall Street in New York City
Experts are betting that a recession will occur by the end of 2021, a new survey suggests.
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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Bankrate delivers the latest news to you.
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Savers can stash their cash in a brokerage these days to rack up returns.
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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.
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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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