Interest Rates: Understanding How They Affect Your Savings and Loans

September 13, 2024
Yahne Jackson
PFCU Financial Educator
Philadelphia Federal Credit Union
[email protected]

Interest rates can play a big role in your financial life, affecting both borrowing and saving. However, it's important to understand that loan interest rates and savings account interest rates are distinct concepts with different implications for your finances. Let's break down how each works and what they mean for you.

What is Interest on a Loan?

When you borrow money, whether it's through a mortgage, auto loan, or personal loan, you're charged interest. This is essentially the cost of borrowing money.

  1. Definition: Loan interest is the amount you pay on top of the principal (the original amount borrowed) for the privilege of using the lender's money.
  2. How it works: The interest rate on a loan determines how much extra you'll pay over time. Higher rates mean you'll pay more in interest over the life of the loan.
  3. Impact of rising rates: When interest rates rise, new loans become more expensive. This can affect your monthly payments and the total amount you'll repay over time.

What is Interest on a Savings Account?

Unlike loan interest which you pay, savings account interest is money you earn for keeping your funds with a financial institution.

  1. Definition: Savings account interest is the money a bank or credit union pays you for depositing and maintaining funds in your account.
  2. How it works: The interest rate on a savings account determines how much your money will grow over time without any additional deposits.
  3. Impact of rising rates: When interest rates rise, banks may choose to offer higher rates on savings accounts, potentially allowing your money to grow faster.

How Loan Rates and Savings Rates Differ

It's crucial to understand that loan rates and savings rates don't always move in tandem:

  1. Different factors influence them: While both are affected by the overall economic environment, loan rates are more directly tied to the Federal Reserve's actions. Savings rates, however, are also influenced by individual banks' policies and competition in the market.
  2. Magnitude of changes: When the Federal Reserve adjusts its benchmark rate, loan rates often respond more quickly and dramatically than savings rates.
  3. Profit margins: Banks make money on the spread between what they pay in interest (on savings) and what they charge (on loans). This means savings rates are typically lower than loan rates.

Making Informed Financial Decisions

Understanding these differences can help you make better financial choices. For borrowers, in a rising rate environment, consider the long-term cost of loans. It might be wise to lock in lower rates if you're planning major purchases. For savers, shop around for the best savings rates. Even in a low-rate environment, some institutions may offer more competitive rates than others.

Refine Your Financial Strategy with Expert Advice

Refining your financial strategy amidst fluctuating interest rates can be challenging, but expert advice can provide valuable guidance. By consulting with financial experts at Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, you can gain insights into how current interest rates affect your loans, savings, and investment plans. Experts can help you understand that the impact of changing rates on your savings and loans may differ and offer strategies for managing each aspect effectively, whether it's making the most of your savings to take advantage of higher rates or restructuring your debt to minimize the impact of rising borrowing costs. Leveraging this personalized advice ensures that you make informed decisions and can effectively manage changing interest rates, aligning your financial actions with your long-term goals.