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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

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How might a recession affect the housing market?
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

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Understanding mortgage rate movements could save you money.
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Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
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We look back at how banks handled rate cuts in 2024, and what to expect in 2025.
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The August jobs slowdown sets the stage for a Fed cut and brought mortgage rates to their lowest levels of the year.
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With a big Federal Reserve decision on the horizon, does it make sense to refinance your mortgage now, or wait?
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The Fed continues to signal lowering rates later this month. Here’s how to prepare.
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Worried that your high-yield savings APY isn’t so high? Here’s how to stay on top.
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As the Fed hints at lowering interest rates, here’s how to prepare when rates fall.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 15, 2025.
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A tough mix of rising prices and weak hiring is leaving the Fed with no easy way out.
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Wire transfer fees can be expensive, but here are ways to send money for less.
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In this era of no-fee banking, pesky fees still exist. Here’s how to avoid them.
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Artifical intelligence (AI) is likely to reshape our lives in as big a way as the internet did in the 1990s and smartphones did in the 2000s (scary or exciting as that may be). That means changes to your [...]
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Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 12, 2025.
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Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
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Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
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Subprime borrowers are particularly affected by interest rate changes. Here’s how to prepare.
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Here are five of the best inflation hedges to help protect your portfolio against inflation.
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And if so, how low can they go?
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Tariffs are an import tax on foreign-made goods, and they act like a sales tax.
Jerome Powell, chair of the US Federal Reserve, speaks during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
Uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s policies is keeping the Fed on the sidelines, at least for now.
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Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
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Still wrestling with inflation, Fed officials might not be so quick to rescue the economy.
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