Banking
The ‘Silent Recession:’ Economists say the economy is strong, but most Americans feel like they’re living in a downturn
15 min read
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.”
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.
Learn more
Recessions & your money
Should you buy a house during a recession?
Real Estate
How might a recession affect the housing market?
Retiring in 5 years? I tell my clients to take these 2 steps to safeguard their retirement plan
Retirement
I give this advice to all of my clients who are approaching retirement.
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.
About Bankrate
Chief Financial Analyst
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
Senior Economic Analyst
Editor's picks
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
The Fed continues to signal lowering rates later this month. Here’s how to prepare.
Worried that your high-yield savings APY isn’t so high? Here’s how to stay on top.
As the Fed hints at lowering interest rates, here’s how to prepare when rates fall.
Overdraft protection can be a helpful and convenient tool to avoid paying a steeper overdraft fee.
Workers still have less purchasing power today than at the beginning of 2021.
These tips can help maximize your savings using certificates of deposit.
Learn when a CD is worth it, when it is not, and alternatives to consider in 2025.
It just might be. But don’t forget the fundamentals of how home equity loans work.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
Setting aside pretax dollars in an HSA can help you defray future medical costs.
Finding the account number on a check is easy — if you know where to look.
Checks aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were, but you may still have to write one.
How Reg. D impacts your savings account and why it pays to check with your bank.
Being able to open a checking and savings account can help build financial security.
ATMs are useful for depositing money, checking your balance, and more, but be aware of possible issues that may arise.
Here’s how much $10,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
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.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its January 2026 meeting.
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
The best way for investors to deal with the Fed’s interest rate changes? Focus on your long-term investment plan.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information