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?
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 Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

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.

Months
Years
    Initial DepositTotal Contri...Interest Earned
    Total savings breakdown:
    Interest earned $ 5,803.89
    Total contributions + $24,000
    Initial deposit + $10,000
    Your total savings
    $ 39,803. 89

    The average APY in the U.S. is 0.6%. Enter an APY to see how much you can save, or choose an APY from one of our partners.

    Latest articles

    Image of a round pink piggybank in a life raft floating on water.
    JPMorgan raises recession probability to 50%. Learn five practical steps to protect your savings before economic conditions worsen.
    Man using credit card while online
    Credit card interest rates have a high mark up over the prime rate. Why are card APRs so high?
    woman using a credit card to shop online
    A new credit card, timed right and used strategically, can help you fight high prices.
    The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
    Design element including image of Jerome Powell
    Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
    US-ECONOMY-FEDERAL RESERVE-RATE-POWELL
    The Fed’s rate hold means loans costs are sticking. Here’s what it means for your business.
    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.
    Banking_How-the-Fed-Rate-Affects-Housing_
    The Fed has hit the pause button on rates. How will it affect the housing market?
    Focused young woman entering banking credit card information in computer application, making household payments online, booking flight tickets or hotel, purchasing goods or confirming transaction.
    APYs on high-yield savings accounts remain competitive after Fed rate decision.
    Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
    Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
    Woman working from home with a child in the background
    A new Bankrate analysis shows mothers earned 31 percent less in wages than fathers in 2023.
    Image by Getty Images, Illustration by Bankrate
    Recession risks are rising. Learn six smart savings strategies to protect your money before it hits.
    A hand making an "OK" sign, a bank vault, and a check
    An extra paycheck in the month can be a game-changer for your finances.
    Woman watering plants.
    Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
    Image of a round pink piggybank in a life raft floating on water.
    JPMorgan raises recession probability to 50%. Learn five practical steps to protect your savings before economic conditions worsen.
    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.
    A person researches on a laptop.
    Learn when a CD is worth it, when it is not, and alternatives to consider in 2025.
    Home equity lines of credit are growing in size and volume.
    A picture of various cryptocurrencies
    Cryptocurrencies are managed through what’s called a distributed ledger such as blockchain.
    Traders work on the floor of NYSE
    With the Fed holding steady on rates for now, is it still a good time to buy stocks?
    Homes in Charleston
    Understanding mortgage rate movements could save you money.
    couple working on home finances
    Learn about five ways in which you can break out of the credit card debt cycle.
    Man blocking face by holding a stop sign in front of himself
    Rate cuts from the Fed usually help borrowers. They aren’t right now.
    Man working on laptop and cellphone simultaneously
    If you’ve been thinking of getting a longer-term CD, you may want to make a move.
    The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
    Wall Street Journal
    Usa Today
    New York Times
    Cnn
    Bloomberg
    Abc