Skip to Main Content

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

“Following today’s rate cut, the extent of further easing in 2026 remains unclear.”

– Stephen Kates, CFP

A Deeply Divided Fed Cuts Interest Rates Again — But What Comes Next?

The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates again at its final meeting of the year, signaling that Chair Jerome Powell was able to bring enough policymakers over to his side to support a rate cut at a time when both inflation and unemployment are rising. But policymakers see only one rate cut next year, and the committee is still worried about inflation.
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
Stephen Kates headshot

Stephen Kates, CFP Arrow Right Icon

Bankrate 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

Homes in Charleston
Understanding mortgage rate movements could save you money.
Fed rate hike to curb inflation, wooden block with FED and up-down arrows icon. Central banking system and interest rate changes.
We look back at how banks handled rate cuts in 2024, and what to expect in 2025.
Classic style new home exterior view with front porch and front door entrance.
The August jobs slowdown sets the stage for a Fed cut and brought mortgage rates to their lowest levels of the year.
Home and a money bag balancing on a scale
With a big Federal Reserve decision on the horizon, does it make sense to refinance your mortgage now, or wait?
The Federal Reserve Building in downtown Washington DC, USA at night.
The Fed continues to signal lowering rates later this month. Here’s how to prepare.
A downward facing red arrow "crashing" trough a shattering $100 bill.
Worried that your high-yield savings APY isn’t so high? Here’s how to stay on top.
Artistic sketch of a businessman on a suspended platform looking down as the platform morphs into a downward arrow with a '%' symbol on its side.
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.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a news conference.
Rates are falling, and finance pros say it may be time for Americans to rethink some strategies.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell is superimposed over the Fed Building, looking pensive
Powell is dealing with the most intense division of his eight years as Fed chair.
Illustration of a US Federal Reserve ink stamp
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
Illustration of gift box surrounded by an up arrow representing higher inflation.
Here’s what to skip and what to buy — and how to tariff-proof your budget.
Illustration of woman holding a briefcase in front of two bar graphs representing the deteriorating labor market
It’s a tale of two job markets: secure for job holders, recession-like for job seekers.
Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, during the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Borrowers often don’t notice small rate cuts, and a weakening economy could dull the relief.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaking at a podium at the Fed's post-meeting press conference.
Officials are cutting rates to shore up the job market, but it’s not without risk.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a news conference.
Rates are falling, and finance pros say it may be time for Americans to rethink some strategies.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell is superimposed over the Fed Building, looking pensive
Powell is dealing with the most intense division of his eight years as Fed chair.
Illustration of gift box surrounded by an up arrow representing higher inflation.
Here’s what to skip and what to buy — and how to tariff-proof your budget.
Illustration of woman holding a briefcase in front of two bar graphs representing the deteriorating labor market
It’s a tale of two job markets: secure for job holders, recession-like for job seekers.
Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, during the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Borrowers often don’t notice small rate cuts, and a weakening economy could dull the relief.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaking at a podium at the Fed's post-meeting press conference.
Officials are cutting rates to shore up the job market, but it’s not without risk.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
See what the nation’s top economists are forecasting in Bankrate’s Q3 survey.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc