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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.

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Latest articles

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.
The Index of bonds on a screen
Borrowers have a window of opportunity to get or refinance a mortgage.
Trader looks at plummeting stock chart
Is a stock you own plummeting? Here’s how to decide what to do next.
Federal Reserve Chair Powell at a podium
As the job market weakens, some economists say the Fed should’ve cut rates already.
woman looking tired at computer
Here’s how to financially prepare for the possibility of sudden unemployment.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
woman using a credit card to shop online
Prices are high. A rewards credit card, timed right and used strategically, can help you fight inflation.
A brick and mortar bank building on a sunny day
There’s more than one way to bank. Here are the reasons to consider banking locally.
Man calculating finances
Here’s how to determine the amount to put in savings — and what to do with the rest.
Federal Reserve Bank Chair Jerome Powell at a news conference
Economists and investors still expect the Fed to start cutting interest rates in September.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell Holds An News Conference On Interest Rates
The Fed doesn’t look like it’s going to cut rates aggressively.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
Women using digital tablet to check her finances at home office
For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed raises interest rates.
Fed chair Jerome Powell speaks at a conference
While the Federal Reserve stood pat this time, it has raised rates a total of 11 times in this current cycle.
Woman using laptop
There’s no need to pay for a checking account when many banks offer free checking.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange
It isn’t always about two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth.
Federal Reserve Chair Powell at a podium
As the job market weakens, some economists say the Fed should’ve cut rates already.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
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.
Portrait of a happy woman smiling outdoors and looking thoughtful
The Federal Reserve is poised to cut rates in September. Will it be enough to entice homebuyers?
Student walking through college campus.
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
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.
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