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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.
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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

A shopper wearing a protective face mask fills a grocery cart with bottled water at a supermarket.
Higher inflation is here, but the big question is whether it’s here to stay or not.
Watering the plants
The savings account has always been a time-tested standby. Here’s why it still matters.
Woman working on her laptop from home
The longer an individual is out of a job, the more likely they are to lose skills, face discrimination from employers and see lower wages.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a press conference after an FOMC meeting.
The Fed’s patience could be challenged as the U.S. economy comes roaring back to life.
Woman reading folder at desk in living room
Here’s how to respond to lower rates if you’re in the market for a CD or savings account.
Close up of Treasury Department stimulus check
Those taxpayers could potentially see thousands of extra dollars when they file for the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Illustration of Capitol Hill rotunda and coronavirus stimulus checks
Most plan to spend their stimulus funds on necessities, not on shopping, dining or traveling.
Senior couple works on iPad
Individuals exempt from filing a tax return could be days away from receiving their payment.
white-collar woman looks tired in the office
Despite strong economic indicators, many Americans are experiencing a “vibecession.”
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.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
A man does research on his laptop.
Add-on CDs can offer more flexibility than a traditional CD.
Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.
The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
Person reading credit card statement
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
woman managing personal banking and finance at home
Working as a freelancer requires a new approach to saving money. Here’s how.
Couple looking at computer with their financial advisor
Local banks provide valuable in-person services that online-only banks can’t offer.
Couple sitting on a sofa, looking at a laptop
Mortgage rates have fallen, but the imminent Fed cut could make them even more favorable for refinancers.
Woman reaching in to the air for cash
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
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.
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.
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