How the Federal Reserve impacts personal loans
The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its January 2026 meeting.
3 min read
Sep 17, 2026
Pippin Wilbers
Former Editor
-
5Years of experience
CREDENTIALS
- NACCC Certified Credit Counselor™ (2025)
EXPERTISE
- Consumer loans
- Banking
- Credit cards
- Mortgages
- Deposit accounts
About the author
Pippin Wilbers is a former Bankrate editor and a Certified Credit Counselor™. He joined the Bankrate team in 2021 and works on helpful content about banks, consumer loans and mortgages. Pippin is passionate about helping borrowers stay up-to-date and feel empowered to make the best choices in a changing and challenging borrower environment.
Pippin stays on top of industry news sources, such as TransUnion and Experian. Working with Bankrate's skilled reporters, he analyzes industry data and the latest political moves and asks: "What does this mean for borrowers?"
Pippin lives in Denver. Before joining Bankrate, he brought vital news to his Missouri community as a small-town newspaper reporter. In his spare time, he enjoys foraging for mushrooms, reading and dabbling in amateur entomology.
Pippin wants you to know
It's a strange time for consumer finances, with the Fed lowering rates under political pressure while both inflation and mortgage rates stay stubbornly high. Even the experts have a tough time predicting what will happen next. But the fundamentals of personal finance haven't changed: Put your savings in the highest-yielding account you can find, keep your credit spending as low as you can and compare before you commit to any credit product.
The better you understand how loans work and how lenders think, the better equipped you are to save on your loan.
— Pippin Wilbers
Pippin's latest articles
-
What is a private party auto loan, and how do you get one?
Private party auto loans let you finance vehicles from private owners.
5 min read Jan 08, 2024 -
Student loan wage garnishment: How defaulting could dent your paycheck
Your paycheck could be at risk if you stop paying your student loans.
4 min read Jan 08, 2024 -
Student loans and bankruptcy: What you need to know
You will have to prove that you are facing “undue hardship” to qualify.
6 min read Jan 08, 2024 -
The most important questions to ask when buying a car
Here’s what to ask when buying a car to make sure you get a deal, not a lemon.
5 min read Jan 08, 2024 -
Tresl vs. Ally: Which offers better auto loans?
Choosing your auto loan lender requires thinking beyond APR and loan amounts. You must also consider your preferred experience. For some, the ease of an online application seals the deal. Others may prefer [...]
2 min read Jan 08, 2024 -
2024 EV tax credits: How to finance your EV charger
The recently renewed EV charger tax credit could mean money back in 2024.
4 min read Jan 02, 2024 -
Why buying a car in winter is a smart move
If you’re willing to brave the elements to car shop, you may be able to get a good deal.
6 min read Jan 02, 2024 -
How to manage a startup business loan
Before you take on debt, know how to manage a startup business loan.
4 min read Dec 19, 2023
