
How the Federal Reserve impacts personal loans
The Federal Reserve just lowered interest rates for the first time in four years.
About the author
Pippin Wilbers is a Bankrate editor and a Certified Credit Counselor™. He joined the loans team in 2021, contributing work on personal, auto and student loan articles. Pippin is passionate about helping borrowers stay up-to-date and feel empowered to make the best choices in a changing and challenging borrower environment.
Pippin stays on top of industry news sources, such as TransUnion and Experian. Working with Bankrate's skilled reporters he analyzes industry data and the latest political moves and asks: "What does this mean for borrowers?"
Pippin wants you to know
These days, Pippin is working closely with reporter Lauren Nowacki to keep a close eye on changes to the federal student loan program. "Student loans are the first debt burden most people take on, and you have to start repaying them when your wages are the lowest they'll likely ever be," he notes. "The current chaos around repayment plans and student loan forgiveness is so destabilizing for peoples' finances. I want readers to have the clearest and most accurate information so they can proactively plan for whatever the future holds."
Pippin lives in Denver. Before joining Bankrate, he brought vital news to his community as a small-town newspaper reporter. In his spare time, he enjoys foraging for mushrooms, reading and dabbling in amateur entomology.
The better you understand how loans work and how lenders think, the better equipped you are to save on your loan.
— Pippin Wilbers
The 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals issued a ruling February 18 blocking the Saving on A Valuable Education (SAVE) plan.
Fast business lenders only ask for the most basic documents to assess your finances.
You can use your tax refund to pay off a loan or make a down payment on a new car.
Online tutoring can help you earn extra cash while keeping up with your studies.
Rolling over your car loan increases the negative equity of your vehicle.
Explore free options, loans and reduced-tuition programs.
The choice you make depends on your situation, lifestyle and budget.
If repairing costs as much as your car is worth, it might be time to replace it.