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The Federal Reserve and Your Money

Interest rates are a little lower than they used to be, but they’re still near the highest levels in over a decade. Here’s what it means for your wallet.

The latest on the Fed from Bankrate’s experts

“Inflation is the type of thing that would keep the Fed on the sidelines, but a sharp slowdown in growth, or a rapid deterioration of the labor market, could prompt the Fed to resume cutting rates.”

– Greg McBride, CFA

March Fed Meeting Preview: How will officials respond to rising recession fears?

Officials on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) look poised to keep interest rates unchanged when they announce their next interest rate decision today, but they’ll likely stress that their next moves are uncertain, thanks to tariffs, federal layoffs, stricter immigration and more from President Donald Trump’s new administration.
Read More

Recent interest rate trends

Every time the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates, borrowing and savings rates move in lockstep. Compare Bankrate data to see how the latest Fed decision is impacting rates on key consumer products.

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
Greg McBride

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at post-meeting press conference
The Fed has more in its back pocket than just cutting interest rates.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a press conference
The Fed will continue to stay on the sidelines when it comes to rates.
A women wearing a facemask talks on the phone while crossing the street
While economists were more optimistic, they weren’t without doubts about the risks to the outlook.
The rotunda on Capitol Hill
The financial practice of spending less than you make doesn’t apply to the federal government.
Donald Trump and Jerome Powell speaking from the White House Rose Garden
Either way you look at it, there’s going to be some whiplash — possibly weighing on consumers’ wallets.
A framing art gallery is closed in Venice Beach, California, during the coronavirus pandemic.
The return to normalcy could happen later — rather than sooner. 
Two people under umbrella using tablet
The Fed’s recent actions may force savers to start thinking differently about their money.
Envelopes
A reader asks how people living on fixed income can beat inflation.
young man falling out of the sky along with various household items and cash
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Still wrestling with inflation, Fed officials might not be so quick to rescue the economy.
Illustration of a US Federal Reserve ink stamp
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
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.
young man falling out of the sky along with various household items and cash
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
The Federal Reserve announced that it’s holding interest rates steady following its March 18-19 meeting.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Still wrestling with inflation, Fed officials might not be so quick to rescue the economy.
Man blocking face by holding a stop sign in front of himself
Rate cuts from the Fed usually help borrowers. They aren’t right now.
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