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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 man uses his phone at an ATM.
Here’s how to use your smartphone — rather than a bank card — at an ATM.
Federal Reserve Chair Powell Holds A News Conference Following The Federal Open Market Committee Meeting
Emergency rate cuts are rare, but some economists believe one may be coming soon.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange
It isn’t always about two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth.
father working on finances with his daughter sitting next to him
This budgeting rule of thumb can help make tracking everyday spending easier.
Federal Reserve Chair Powell at a podium
As the job market weakens, some economists say the Fed should’ve cut rates already.
People walk by a Western Union location in New York.
Wire transfer fees can be expensive, but here are ways to send money for less.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
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.
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.
A man being raised into the air by party balloons. And a line graph chart superimposed overtop. Trending upwards
Americans still have a ways to go to fully recover their purchasing power.
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.
Woman walking throw a bunch of floating produce items and cash
While the worst of inflation may be over, the battle hasn’t yet been won.
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