~by M. K. Matthews
The ten year U.S. Treasury Bonds rose above 3% for the first time since January 2011. The main reason is speculation that the Fed will seek an increasingly aggressive rise in interest rates. Yields rose as Fed officials talk of raising interest rates four times this year instead of the previously discussed three times.
Rising interest rates can have a significant effect on the economy and your finances on a personal level.
Here's how rising interest rates affect us
Any time the Fed announces a federal Funds interest rates hike this increases how much banks pay to borrow money from other banks. This is passed on to consumers, affecting your credit card debt, savings account, and your mortgage.
Credit card interest rates are variable and are tied to what is known as the Prime Rate. The Prime Rate is set just a few percentage points above the Federal Funds rate. When the Federal Funds Rate rises so does the Prime Rate, which means your credit card interest rate also rises. You will see this in the next two billing cycles after the new Prime Rate goes into effect depending on when your due date falls. The average American home is paying $1,300 in credit card interest annually.
It's not all bad news as your rate of interest on your savings account also rises. Savings rates are at a historical low but you should see some small increase. Online only banks pay slightly more for savings accounts due to the lack of their overhead costs.
However, homeowners who have variable mortgage rates will see their payments rise as Federal Fund rates rise. If you have a fixed rate mortgage your payments should not rise. But if you were hoping to refinance your home mortgage you just missed out some savings since you will no longer be able to lock in that lower rate.
So while the rise in Federal Funds rate isn't all bad news, be sure to read the fine print in your credit, savings accounts, and mortgage contracts.