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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? Find out what the experts think.
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Here are some tips to help make sure your retirement savings are protected in the event of a recession.
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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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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

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Today’s mortgage rates already reflect the likelihood of a September Federal Reserve rate cut.
inflation and the housing market photo illustration
The housing market isn’t immune from outside economic forces, including inflation.
Woman reaching in to the air for cash
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
Traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange
Avoiding certain investments during a recession can help minimize damages to your returns.
family of 4 posing in front of new red-brick house, green lawn and nice landscaping
With a Fed rate cut finally on the horizon, here’s what homebuyers should know.
Image of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell
Can a Fed rate cut stop the housing market roller coaster?
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Prices are high. A rewards credit card, timed right and used strategically, can help you fight inflation.
Outside of the Federal Reserve building
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates several times. These interest rate changes are likely to affect the rates of personal loans.
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Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
young man falling out of the sky along with various household items and cash
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
Woman reaching in to the air for cash
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
cash folded into a piggy bank shape
These seven banks and credit unions offer competitive rates on CDs for businesses.
Golden piggy bank and golden coins
Here’s how to save money and get the most bang for your buck.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Real estate agent greets a client in front of a red brick home
Today’s mortgage rates already reflect the likelihood of a September Federal Reserve rate cut.
Woman reaching in to the air for cash
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
family of 4 posing in front of new red-brick house, green lawn and nice landscaping
With a Fed rate cut finally on the horizon, here’s what homebuyers should know.
Image of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell
Can a Fed rate cut stop the housing market roller coaster?
Outside of the Federal Reserve building
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates several times. These interest rate changes are likely to affect the rates of personal loans.
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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Mortgage rates have fallen, but the imminent Fed cut could make them even more favorable for refinancers.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange
It isn’t always about two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth.
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