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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

Home Finances
Here’s how to earn more interest with a high-yield savings account.
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After stocks have fallen, investors are paying a lower price for the growth of those businesses.
Avocados and bananas from Mexico at grocery store in San Francisco, California
Avoiding certain investments during a recession can help minimize damages to your returns.
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.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Still wrestling with inflation, Fed officials might not be so quick to rescue the economy.
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.
Trader looks at plummeting stock chart
Is a stock you own plummeting? Here’s how to decide what to do next.
A young female researches on her phone.
Here’s the lowdown on no-penalty CDs, and how they differ from regular CDs.
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Here’s how multiple savings accounts can help you reach your financial goals.
FDIC building in Washington DC
One of the most ubiquitous signs in a bank is “Member FDIC.” Here’s what it means.
person using mobile phone leaning on railing
A second-chance checking account is designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account. Those who apply for this account sometimes have past issues such as an unpaid [...]
woman looking at her phone while walking outside
Top savings APYs remain above 4%, with plenty of account options to choose from.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
New Friends Walking on University Campus
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
Design element with Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Home decorated for autumn
It just might be. But don’t forget the fundamentals of how home equity loans work.
US-ECONOMY-FEDERAL RESERVE-RATE-POWELL
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.
Banking_How-the-Fed-Rate-Affects-Housing_
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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