Skip to Main Content

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.
Learn more

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.
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

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right

Senior Economic Analyst

Calculate your savings

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

Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
The Fed looks poised to leave rates alone in July but signal cuts are coming soon.
A man being raised into the air by party balloons. And a line graph chart superimposed overtop. Trending upwards
Americans still have a ways to go to fully recover their purchasing power.
Design element with Jerome H. Powell chairman of the Board of Governors
Rate cuts are coming. Just don’t call this a low-rate environment just yet.
Design element of woman sitting at desk in front of laptop.
Wages are on pace to fully recover from inflation by the second quarter of 2025.
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.
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.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
The Fed looks poised to leave rates alone in July but signal cuts are coming soon.
A man being raised into the air by party balloons. And a line graph chart superimposed overtop. Trending upwards
Americans still have a ways to go to fully recover their purchasing power.
Design element with Jerome H. Powell chairman of the Board of Governors
Rate cuts are coming. Just don’t call this a low-rate environment just yet.
Design element of woman sitting at desk in front of laptop.
Wages are on pace to fully recover from inflation by the second quarter of 2025.
Panorama of aerial view of Downtown Houston, Texas, USA
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.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
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.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
The Fed looks poised to leave rates alone in July but signal cuts are coming soon.
A man being raised into the air by party balloons. And a line graph chart superimposed overtop. Trending upwards
Americans still have a ways to go to fully recover their purchasing power.
Design element with Jerome H. Powell chairman of the Board of Governors
Rate cuts are coming. Just don’t call this a low-rate environment just yet.
Design element of woman sitting at desk in front of laptop.
Wages are on pace to fully recover from inflation by the second quarter of 2025.
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?
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc