You may have heard about the Federal Reserve — often called “the Fed” — changing interest rates in recent months. When the Fed lowers interest rates, it can significantly impact your finances, from savings to loans. But what could that really mean for you?

Understanding these changes can help you make informed decisions about managing your money.

What happens when the Fed lowers interest rates?

The Federal Reserve typically lowers interest rates in response to economic challenges, like slowing growth or rising inflation. The goal is to stimulate the economy by making it cheaper for consumers to borrow money, encouraging spending. On the flip side, it can mean changes in your interest rates on borrowing and saving.

However, it’s important to note that the impact of a Fed rate change isn’t always immediate. While the Fed’s decision sets the tone for lower rates, financial institutions often take time to adjust their products. You might not immediately see a reduction in loan rates or credit card interest, and savings rates may take weeks or even months to reflect the lower rate environment. This delay occurs because lenders and financial institutions generally wait to gauge the overall economic effects before fully adjusting their offerings.

Share certificates

If you took advantage of higher interest rates before the Fed’s changes and opened a Certificate (a fixed-term deposit account), the good news is you’re likely locked into the higher fixed interest rate for the certificate's term. Any rate changes won’t affect your current Certificate until it matures. However, if you’re considering opening a new one, a lower federal rate could mean slightly lower interest rates on newly issued Certificates.

If you’re looking for a stable savings option with a guaranteed return, it’s often a good idea to lock in a rate on a Certificate before additional rate drops occur.

Savings accounts

One of the most direct impacts of a Fed rate drop is savings accounts. When interest rates fall, so do the rates offered on savings. This means that the interest you earn on the money in your savings account may decrease slightly.

While lower rates may discourage saving, it’s still essential to maintain a healthy savings habit. You can explore options like money market savings accounts or other higher-yielding accounts that offer competitive returns even in a lower-rate environment.

Credit cards

If you carry a balance on your credit card, a Fed rate cut can benefit you. Most credit cards have variable interest rates tied to the Fed’s benchmark rate. When that rate decreases, your credit card’s interest rate may also drop, meaning you’ll pay fewer interest charges on any outstanding balances. This allows you to focus more on paying down your debt without being as heavily impacted by interest costs.

Remember that credit card rates may not decrease immediately, so it’s a good idea to check your statements regularly and speak with your financial institution if you don’t see a change after a rate cut.

Loans

Perhaps the most significant benefit of a Fed rate cut is the potential for lower interest rates on a loan. Whether you’re taking out a new auto loan, personal loan, or mortgage, lower rates mean you could borrow money more affordably. Over time, this translates to lower monthly payments and reduced overall costs.

If you already have a loan with a fixed rate, a Fed rate drop won’t affect your current loan, but it might present an opportunity to refinance. Refinancing an auto loan, mortgage, or personal loan at a lower interest rate could save you money in the long run, especially if rates continue to decrease.

Making the most of lower rates

When the Fed lowers interest rates, it creates both challenges and opportunities. While it might make saving slightly less rewarding, it also offers advantages for borrowers. Here are a few strategies to maximize your financial situation in a lower-rate environment:

• Consider refinancing: If you have existing loans, now might be a good time to explore refinancing options. Refinancing could significantly lower your interest rate and reduce your monthly payments.
• Optimize your savings: Though rates may be slightly lower, you can still maximize your savings by exploring different types of accounts offering competitive returns.
• Pay down debt: Lower credit card interest rates allow you to reduce debt more effectively. Make larger payments on your credit cards to decrease the interest you’re charged each month.

When the Fed lowers interest rates, it’s essential to take a step back and reassess your financial goals. Whether saving for the future or looking to manage debt, understanding how rate changes impact different financial products can help you make better financial decisions. Keep an eye on your savings and loans, and consider taking advantage of opportunities to refinance or optimize your debt repayment strategy.

If you have questions about how to take advantage of a lower-rate environment, whether by refinancing loans or optimizing your savings strategy, don’t hesitate to contact your partners at Chevron Federal Credit Union. We can help you create a tailored plan.