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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.
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.
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The once-booming labor market is starting to face some trouble.

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Latest articles

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange
It isn’t always about two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth.
Warren Buffett, chairman and chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway
Warren Buffett halves Apple stake: What investors can learn from the move.
The Index of bonds on a screen
Borrowers have a window of opportunity to get or refinance a mortgage.
Trader looks at plummeting stock chart
Is a stock you own plummeting? Here’s how to decide what to do next.
Federal Reserve Chair Powell at a podium
As the job market weakens, some economists say the Fed should’ve cut rates already.
woman looking tired at computer
Here’s how to financially prepare for the possibility of sudden unemployment.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
woman using a credit card to shop online
Prices are high. A rewards credit card, timed right and used strategically, can help you fight inflation.
In case of a potential emergency, it pays to be financially prepared.
Consumer grabbing water bottle with mask during coronavirus
Americans remain cautious about making in-person trips to businesses.
Customers walk past a Chase Bank branch.
Find out who’s waiving fees and helping families facing a financial hardship from the COVID-19 outbreak.
A picture of the coronavirus on a blue background
Half of those same households report having taken on more debt.
A sign stating that job placement program is closed during coronavirus pandemic.
Joblessness has surged to catastrophic levels not seen for nearly a century.
A man wearing a mask walks past the U.S. Federal Reserve building in Washington D.C.
One of the Fed’s greatest fears is a slow and grueling economic recovery.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell talks to reporters at press conference
The coronavirus pandemic has brought the U.S. economy to its knees.
A custom image of a $100 bill and a mask.
Stimulus checks have arrived, but more support is needed from political leaders, consumers say.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange
It isn’t always about two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth.
Federal Reserve Chair Powell at a podium
As the job market weakens, some economists say the Fed should’ve cut rates already.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
Calm focused female freelancer in casual clothes revising reports while sitting on soft couch at table and using computer in light contemporary apartment
Subprime borrowers are particularly affected by interest rate changes. Here’s how to prepare.
Portrait of a happy woman smiling outdoors and looking thoughtful
The Federal Reserve is poised to cut rates in September. Will it be enough to entice homebuyers?
Student walking through college campus.
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
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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