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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.
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

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.
Young mother looking for a job using internet
Overpaid in unemployment benefits? Here’s how to resolve the issue efficiently.
Couple sitting on a sofa, looking at a laptop
Mortgage rates have fallen, but the imminent Fed cut could make them even more favorable for refinancers.
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.
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.
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.
white-collar woman looks tired in the office
Despite strong economic indicators, many Americans are experiencing a “vibecession.”
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 man does research on his laptop.
Add-on CDs can offer more flexibility than a traditional CD.
Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.
The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
Person reading credit card statement
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
woman managing personal banking and finance at home
Working as a freelancer requires a new approach to saving money. Here’s how.
Couple looking at computer with their financial advisor
Local banks provide valuable in-person services that online-only banks can’t offer.
Illustration of shopper with cell phone
Some purchases could cost you hundreds more today than a year ago.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at the June post-meeting press conference
The Fed hasn’t raised rates this much in a single year since 1994.
A customer shops at a grocery store.
Americans are desperately waiting for some relief from inflation.
Illustration of person at a kitchen table frustrated over finances
Americans are finding it impossible to avoid inflation.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at press conference
The majority put the economy’s recession chances at 50 percent or more.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell testifies before Congress
In a survey, market pros expect the 10-year Treasury yield will continue higher over the next year.
A customer holds a fuel nozzle at a Shell gas station in California
High inflation has a financial toll similar to job loss.
Federal Reserve Jerome Powell gives a post-meeting press conference
The Fed’s move is the biggest increase since 1994 and undoubtedly raises the risks of a recession.
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