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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

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks to journalists at a news conference following the Fed's June 19 interest rate decision.
The Fed’s move is a win for borrowers and a wake up call for savers.
Fed Chairman Jerome Powell speaks to journalists at a June 19 press conference
How much of a rate cut can we expect from the Fed?
Federal Reserve Eccles Building
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Traders work after the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange
The U.S. economy looks far different now than it did when the expansion first began in June 2009.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at a press conference
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Federal Reserve seal
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Savers, here are strategies to invest in CDs.
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Consumers without a bank account face hurdles when trying to cash a check.
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A CD ladder lets savers benefit from higher rates without locking up all your money in long-term CDs.
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Coins sitting around in an overloaded jar could be put to better use. Here’s how.
exterior of Bank of America branch building
Knowing bank holiday schedules can help you avoid delays on necessary transactions.
Credit sign on stone wall building
Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks to decide if a credit union is right for you.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, during the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Borrowers often don’t notice small rate cuts, and a weakening economy could dull the relief.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
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.
Outside of the Federal Reserve building
The Federal Reserve just lowered interest rates for the first time in four years.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, arrives for the Federal Reserve Board open meeting in Washington, DC, Oct. 24, 2025.
The best way for most investors to approach this type of market is to stick to their long-term plan.
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