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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

Envelopes
A reader asks how people living on fixed income can beat inflation.
A person wears a protective face mask outside a GNC store.
Some forecasts suggest a resurgence in coronavirus cases could tip the financial system over again. 
Front of White House
Plus, Americans are also split over which presidential ticket will be better for their wallet.
Illinois State Capitol Building in Springfield, Illinois
Accounting for nearly a tenth of the U.S. economy, cutbacks could weigh down the recovery.
Employees hadn out unemployment applications to people in their vehicles
Ending the crisis depends largely on eradicating the virus and the economic problems it opened up.
The Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
From relief checks to unemployment insurance, here’s what could impact your wallet.
Envelopes
A reader asks: If inflation goes up, what is your advice to protect my investments?
A couple looks over at a crowded beach in Santa Monica, California.
Economists say a second wave is the biggest downside risk to the U.S. economy this year.
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.
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?
Student walking through college campus.
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
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