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

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

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.
College students on graduation day, celebrating
Check out Bankrate’s savings picks to help you start off on a long financial future.
Shot of a young businesswoman using a digital tablet outside of an office
Learn how you can lose money on a CD.
image of someone using an ATM with an illustrated blue background
ATM skimming is a type of payment card fraud. Here’s everything you need to know.
Closeup of someone counting money
The National Credit Union Administration is similar to the FDIC, which covers banks.
Couple sitting in their living room and checking their finances
Online banks still offer competitive APYs on savings. Here’s what to look for.
Young man working in a co-working office
These are the great bank accounts for new grads.
man banking online with digital tablet at home
Bank customers are frustrated by fraud and looking for easier access to live help.
Two young woman looking at at some paper documents and comparing it against something on a cell phone
Many Gen Zers and millennials are relying financially on their parents.
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.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
USA Today
The New York Times
CNN
Bloomberg
ABC