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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.

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

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While the worst of inflation may be over, the battle hasn’t yet been won.
Sign of Wall St, a man falling down, a bundle of cash
A recession hasn’t happened yet, but it’s likely still coming, economists say.
Jerome Powell in a speaking posture
Economists are taking the Fed at its word, penciling in more rate hikes.
Illustrated collage featuring a sign that says, "Market st"
The major factor moving mortgage rates? Inflation — still.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a post-meeting press conference
The Fed’s quest to defeat inflation, however, is nowhere near finished.
The gasoline price sign and fuel pumps for the Turkey Hill gas station in Pennsylvania
Americans don’t have many places to hide from high inflation.
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Learn about five ways in which you can break out of the credit card debt cycle.
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Here’s what crypto experts say you should expect from digital assets if a recession is on the horizon.
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Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
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Here are some places to look for a source of funds.
family financial planning
Here’s how to boost your savings.
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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.
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Here are some of the best savings accounts you can sign up for as a business owner.
Six Bankrate experts share the career moves that let them get ahead financially.
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Not paying fees and an easy way to bank should all be priorities. Here are some of our favorites.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference
Fed officials are trying to prevent an economic slowdown from getting worse.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Tune in to Bankrate’s live coverage of the Fed’s first rate cut since 2020.
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Credit card interest rates have a high mark up over the prime rate. Why are card APRs so high?
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
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For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed raises interest rates.
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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.
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The Fed has cut rates by half a percentage point — how will that affect the housing market?
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