How the Fed's Latest Decision on Interest Rates Impacts Your Wallet

The Federal Reserve announced on Wednesday that it will keep interest rates unchanged. This decision comes on the heels of fresh inflation data, which shows that consumer prices are gradually moderating but still remain above the central bank's target.

The Broader Impact on Consumer Borrowing Costs

Credit Cards

The rate hike cycle has caused the average credit card rate to rise from 16.34% in March 2022 to nearly 21% today, approaching an all-time high.

Mortgage Rates

The average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hovers around 7%, compared to 4.4% in March 2022 and 3.27% at the end of 2021. 

Auto Loans

Despite auto loans being fixed, the combination of rising car prices and higher interest rates on new loans has resulted in less affordable monthly payments. The average rate on a five-year new car loan now exceeds 7%, up from 4% in March 2022. 

Student Loans

Federal student loan rates are fixed, insulating most borrowers from the immediate effects of Fed rate changes. However, new undergraduate students for the 2023-24 academic year are paying 5.50%, up from 4.99% in the previous year, with rates for the 2024-2025 academic year expected to be 6.53%—the highest in at least a decade.

Private student loans with variable rates tied to indices like the prime rate or Treasury bill have already seen increases in interest payments.

The Road Ahead

The Federal Reserve's decision to maintain current interest rates aims to balance economic growth with inflation control. However, the impact on the average American is clear: borrowing remains expensive across the board. As always, staying informed and proactive in managing personal finances can help mitigate some of these challenges.