Here's What Happens to Your Savings in a Recession

As more companies in the U.S. lay off workers and the economy continues to experience high inflation despite higher interest rates, many people are wondering if the U.S. economy will head into a recession. Let's take a look at what happens to your savings in a recession and how to safeguard your finances.

What is a recession?

A recession is a term used to describe a significant decline in economic activity. A common rule of thumb to define a recession is when we see two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth. However, it is much more complex than that. Recessions are officially declared by eight economists from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). According to the NBER, a recession is "a significant decline in economic activity that is spread across the economy and lasts more than a few months." The last time we were in a recession was during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, from February to April 2020.

When a recession occurs, there is a drop in the production of goods and services, unemployment rates rise, and the stock market declines. This can result in a decrease in consumer spending, which can worsen the situation. Recessions can last for a few months to several years and they can affect different countries and industries in different ways.

How does a recession affect your savings?

If you're someone who has saved diligently over the years, a recession can be a real punch in the gut. Here's what you should watch out for.

Savings interest rates decrease

When the economy is in a recession, interest rates tend to go down to promote borrowing, which can stimulate economic activity. Unfortunately, this means that the interest rates offered by banks, particularly on savings accounts, will drop too. In turn, it affects the amount of interest you earn on your savings. However, inflation also tends to be lower during a recession, so the value of your money is higher than when there is high inflation.

Stock market volatility

Investors who have put their money in the stock market are usually hit hard during a recession. During this period, the stock market usually experiences a lot of volatility as investors panic and offload their stocks, leading to a decline in the markets. Unfortunately, when the stock market is performing poorly, your investments may also be significantly affected, particularly if you have money in stocks or mutual funds.

Job security

Another risk associated with a recession is the potential loss of a job. When businesses are struggling financially, they may need to downsize their workforce or shut down altogether, which could leave you without a reliable income stream. Without income, you may need to dip into your savings to cover your expenses, which could deplete your savings much faster than you expect.

How to protect yourself in a recession

There are ways to protect your savings during a recession. Keep your savings in a high-yield savings account or certificate of deposit (CD). While the interest rates on CDs and savings accounts may not be high, they are generally safe and can provide some protection against inflation. However, it is important to remember that the FDIC only insures deposits up to $250,000 per depositor per insured bank. So, if you have more than $250,000 in savings, you may need to spread your deposits across multiple banks to ensure that they are all fully insured.

It is also important to have an emergency fund in place. During a recession, it is much more likely that you may lose your job or experience a decrease in income. Having an emergency fund with at least three to six months' worth of expenses can help you weather the storm without having to dip into your long-term savings.

To protect your savings from a market crash, focus on diversifying your investments across multiple asset classes. Consider investing in bonds, commodities, and other alternative investments that tend to perform well when the stock market is struggling. Additionally, don't trade frequently or try to time the market; take a long-term investment approach and focus on your goals.

Focus on paying off any existing debts you have as quickly as possible. If you do need to borrow to cover expenses, make sure to do so in a responsible manner, only taking on what you can afford to pay back in a reasonable time frame.

While recessions can be scary, there are steps you can take to protect your savings from their potentially negative effects. Remember to stay focused on your long-term goals and don't make emotion-based decisions in response to short-term market changes. By taking a proactive approach, you can safeguard your savings and come out on top.