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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?
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

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Senior Economic Analyst

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Latest articles

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How to find the best high-yield savings account in times of high inflation
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Your lender could cap, cut or even close your credit line. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare.
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Stagflation is an economic “super villain,” bringing high inflation and unemployment.
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Here’s what crypto experts say you should expect from digital assets if a recession is on the horizon.
Image of Jerome Powell and Donald Trump side by side above the Federal Reserve building.
Lower rates won’t fix trade uncertainty, and credit could still be tight.
Home Finances
Here’s how to earn more interest with a high-yield savings account.
A businessman sits at a table with his laptop
After stocks have fallen, investors are paying a lower price for the growth of those businesses.
Avocados and bananas from Mexico at grocery store in San Francisco, California
Avoiding certain investments during a recession can help minimize damages to your returns.
banking apps displayed on an iiphone
Can you guess which bank has the most branches in your state?
man using an atm on the street
The short answer is yes, but policies vary from bank to bank.
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Your bank accounts have two separate balances: the current balance and the available balance. Here’s the distinction.
mother at bitcoin atm with toddler
Bitcoin ATMs are becoming increasingly popular. Here’s everything you need to know.
US Bank app
These features are designed to save you time and money.
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As the Fed is cutting interest rates, consider these certificates of deposit (CDs)
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 15, 2025.
Image of Jerome Powell speaking from the Federal Reserve podium.
A tough mix of rising prices and weak hiring is leaving the Fed with no easy way out.
Homes in Charleston
Understanding mortgage rate movements could save you money.
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.
Fed rate hike to curb inflation, wooden block with FED and up-down arrows icon. Central banking system and interest rate changes.
We look back at how banks handled rate cuts in 2024, and what to expect in 2025.
Classic style new home exterior view with front porch and front door entrance.
The August jobs slowdown sets the stage for a Fed cut and brought mortgage rates to their lowest levels of the year.
Home and a money bag balancing on a scale
With a big Federal Reserve decision on the horizon, does it make sense to refinance your mortgage now, or wait?
The Federal Reserve Building in downtown Washington DC, USA at night.
The Fed continues to signal lowering rates later this month. Here’s how to prepare.
A downward facing red arrow "crashing" trough a shattering $100 bill.
Worried that your high-yield savings APY isn’t so high? Here’s how to stay on top.
Artistic sketch of a businessman on a suspended platform looking down as the platform morphs into a downward arrow with a '%' symbol on its side.
As the Fed hints at lowering interest rates, here’s how to prepare when rates fall.
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