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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

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

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Latest articles

Jerome Powell, chair of the US Federal Reserve, speaks during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
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Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
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Senate building in Washington DC
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — a main line of defense against unfair banking practices — has been dramatically scaled back under the Trump administration. In May 2025, Congress overturned [...]
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Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
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Let’s look at several online banks and credit unions that let you deposit cash.
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Illustration of a US Federal Reserve ink stamp
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
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.
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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.
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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.
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