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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

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Cryptocurrencies are managed through what’s called a distributed ledger such as blockchain.
A young woman researches on her laptop.
With a possible recession looming, here’s what savers should know about CDs.
inflation and the housing market photo illustration
The housing market isn’t immune from outside economic forces, including inflation.
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.
woman using laptop in the kitchen
These tips can help maximize your savings using certificates of deposit.
A house roofline in front of a graphic background.
The housing market in Q2 2024 ushers in peak homebuying season.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a gathering with lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
design element featuring a women wearing a bucket hat and on her laptop holding a credit card
Rising prices have definitely made it more difficult to get ahead, but a credit card can be a valuable tool when it comes to saving money or getting free stuff.
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.
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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.
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.
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Subprime borrowers are particularly affected by interest rate changes. Here’s how to prepare.
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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.
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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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