Contributed by: Kelsey Arvai, CFP®, MBA
It is worth reviewing how interest rates work and how you might consider adjusting your saving, spending, and investing strategies. Please always consult your CFP® professional regarding your specific situation and what is right for you. The Federal Reserve interest rate (also known as the federal funds rate) is the interest rate at which banks and credit unions borrow from and lend to each other. It is determined by the Federal Reserve System (also known as the Federal Reserve or simply the Fed). The Fed is the central banking system of the United States, and the federal funds rate is one of the key tools for guiding US monetary policy. The federal funds rate impacts everything from annual percentage yields (APYs) you earn on your savings to the rate you pay on credit card balances.
The Fed was first created in 1913 with the enactment of the Federal Reserve Act. A series of financial panics, specifically a severe one in 1907, led to the desire for central control of the monetary system to alleviate financial crises. The Fed is composed of several layers governed by the presidentially-appointed board of governors (known as the Federal Reserve Board or FRB). Historical events such as the Great Depression and the Great Recession have led to the expansion of the roles and responsibilities of the Fed. One of the functions of the Fed is to manage the nation’s money supply through monetary policy. Three key objectives have been established by Congress for monetary policy in the Federal Reserve Act – maximizing employment, stabilizing prices (prevention of inflation or deflation), and moderating long-term rates. The Fed largely implements monetary policy by targeting the federal funds rate – typically by adjusting the rate by 0.25% or 0.5%. The way it works is when you deposit money at a bank or credit union, those deposits provide banks with the capital needed to extend loans and other forms of credit to clients. Banks are required to keep a certain percentage of their total capital in reserve to help guarantee their stability and solvency.
The current federal funds rate is between 4.50% and 4.75% as of early February (part of the effort by the central bank to control inflation and maintain a stable economy). When interest rates are rising, make sure you look for high-yield savings opportunities, pay down credit card debt, and, if you’re looking for a car or home, make sure your interest rate reflects the current rate.
If you have a credit card, the most important strategy to focus on right now is prioritizing paying it off. While changes to interest rates will not affect your current fixed-rate loans, such as your car loan or mortgage, if you carry a balance on a credit card, the rate you owe on that money will continue to rise alongside short-term rates set by the Fed. If you cannot pay down your debt quickly, consider moving your debt over to a balance transfer credit card that could ensure you will pay no interest on your balance for a number of months.
On a positive note, rising interest rates create savings opportunities. Even though interest rates on deposits tend to correlate with the rise of the fed funds rate – you will likely earn next to nothing on your regular savings account, which typically is around 0.01%. If you have accumulated a large amount of cash in the bank above your current cash needs and emergency savings (three to six months of expenses), you might consider looking to a high-yield savings account, a money-market fund, or a one year Treasury bill (T-bill). Rates have increased quite a bit lately; the one year bill is now at 5.07%, and the two year is around 4.65%. Interest on T-bills is not taxable at the state level. Not a significant impact for Michigan residents, but if you live in a high-income state such as California, these become even more attractive. Our team has identified several money markets funds offering yields of around 4.5% (more than you would typically see at the bank).
The Federal Funds Rate is important to understand as the rate changes can impact your wallet. Ultimately, it is your own habits that are the main factor in determining your financial situation. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact our Team at The Center; we would be happy to help!
Kelsey Arvai, CFP®, MBA is an Associate Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® She facilitates back office functions for clients.
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