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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?
Image of a smiling older man and woman sitting close together at a table looking at an open laptop. There are papers and an open notebook on the table.
I give this advice to all of my clients who are approaching retirement.
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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

Calculate your savings

Use our Savings Calculator to help you quickly and accurately estimate the growth of your investment. Set a goal and figure out how much you need to save each month to hit the mark.

Latest articles

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How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
Exterior of Federal Reserve building
Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
Outside of the Federal Reserve building
The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its January 2026 meeting.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell delivers remarks at a news conference.
The best way for investors to deal with the Fed’s interest rate changes? Focus on your long-term investment plan.
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Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
A little girl gets a vaccination.
Setting aside pretax dollars in an HSA can help you defray future medical costs.
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Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
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Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
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How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
woman holding a child and working online at home
Being able to open a checking and savings account can help build financial security.
man using an atm
ATMs are useful for depositing money, checking your balance, and more, but be aware of possible issues that may arise.
Illustration of cash under a beach umbrella
Here’s how much $10,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
Stacks of dollars bills moving through a machine at the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
You might not know it, but the repo market is the bedrock for the financial system.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks to reporters at a press conference.
As the economy rebounds, don’t expect the Fed’s extraordinary support to last forever.
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The worst downturn in a lifetime was also the shortest.
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Here’s where the nation’s top economists see hiring, the Fed and inflation heading over the next year.
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Higher inflation is here, but the big question is whether it’s here to stay or not.
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The savings account has always been a time-tested standby. Here’s why it still matters.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a press conference after an FOMC meeting.
The Fed’s patience could be challenged as the U.S. economy comes roaring back to life.
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Here’s how to respond to lower rates if you’re in the market for a CD or savings account.
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