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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

Worried about surging inflation?
Experts expect inflation to cool, but how soon that happens will be key.
ederal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell testifies at a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing
The Fed is withdrawing stimulus at the fastest pace in decades.
Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger at Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting
Warren Buffett shared several key lessons for investors at the recent 2022 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting.
A FedEx truck makes deliveries
Job creation is expected to be almost two times slower over the next 12 months.
Shopper looks for milk at a grocery store
Consumers will likely have to keep paying more for almost everything they buy.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a conference
Fed officials are projecting seven total rate hikes in 2022 alone.
President Biden speaks at event marking Equal Pay Day
There’s no telling when inflation will slow down.
Gas pump prices
With inflation raging, this is where experts suggest to invest to beat rising prices.
Mature woman helps her daughter study for exam
High-yield savings rates fluctuate over time. Let’s explore what causes that.
woman depositing a check on her phone
There are several ways to deposit a check — some are simpler than others.
Young Woman Depositing Check With Smartphone
The amount of time for a check to clear can vary from check to check.
Coworkers discussing a project
Here’s how to find the credit union that will best fit with your financial needs.
Two professionals discussing a money order
Completing a money order requires just a few simple steps. Here’s how.
Person reading credit card statement
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
Woman using a calculator
How many bank accounts are too many? Use the rule of two hours to find out.
Recession risks are rising. Learn six smart savings strategies to protect your money before it hits.
Home decorated for autumn
It just might be. But don’t forget the fundamentals of how home equity loans work.
Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
Jerome Powell, chair of the US Federal Reserve, speaks during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
Uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s policies is keeping the Fed on the sidelines, at least for now.
New Friends Walking on University Campus
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
US-ECONOMY-FEDERAL RESERVE-RATE-POWELL
The Fed’s rate hold means loans costs are sticking. Here’s what it means for your business.
If you’re looking at HE Loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
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.
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