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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?
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

inflation and the housing market photo illustration
The housing market isn’t immune from outside economic forces, including inflation.
Home decorated for autumn
It just might be. But don’t forget the fundamentals of how home equity loans work.
Fed chair Jerome Powell makes a speech
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the second consecutive meeting but this time by a smaller quarter of a percentage point.
Exterior of Federal Reserve building
Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
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.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
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?
Thanksgiving shopping
With some planning and preparation, this is how I reduced my Thanksgiving grocery bill.
Bankrate writer Karen Bennett and editor Marc Wojno pose in a selfie at the Money 20/20 conference in Las Vegas.
Banks are working to keep customers safe through AI apps and human interaction.
Turtle with shopping bag
Slow shopping has been growing in popularity despite potential drawbacks.
Older gentleman using a laptop
Knowing a savings bond’s value can help you decide whether to hold it or redeem it.
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.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
A young woman works from her laptop.
Balancing your checking account may sound dated, but it still makes sense.
Woman working with business document and laptop on the table
It’s a low interest rate environment, but there are ways to earn more on your money.
Woman covering face with hands. Clouds, caution sign, and cash float cartoonishly behind her
Will a recession not wreck the economy’s party after all — or is it just late?
Illustrated collage featuring townhomes
Don’t expect mortgage rates to depart from the current trend, experts say.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at Fed press conference
The higher rates rise, the more Fed watchers wonder: Is the Fed about done?
A stressed mature man goes through his home finances at the dining table
High inflation and interest rates are leading many Americans to rely on credit.
Aerial view of the houses in the suburban areas in Sayerville, New Jersey, USA
The downgrade of U.S. debt created one more reason for mortgage rates to stay at a peak.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a press conference after the June rate-setting meeting
The real question is: What will the Fed’s next moves be?
Young forlorn woman sitting down with a suitcase packed
Hit with mounting housing woes, young people ask: Wait it out or make a sacrifice?
Man in a yellow construction jacket and hard hat
Experts, however, still don’t see a labor market as tough as it was during the pandemic.
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