Archives for July 2022

Fed increases Funds Rates by 0.75 Percentage Points

Today, in a move that probably surprised nobody, the FOMC increased the Funds Rate by 0.75 percentage points to 2.500%.

In addition, the Fed reiterated their commitment to reduce their holdings in Treasury/mortgage-backed securities and agency debt.

Mortgage rates reacted favorably as this increase was highly anticipated by the markets.

What will not be reacting so favorably are credit cards, home equity loans and other debts where interest rates are attached to Prime as the Prime Rate follows the Fed Funds rate.

PLEASE pull out your credit card statements, and any other debts to do a “checkup” on what your interest rates are. I’m happy to review your credit cards with you to see if refinancing or a second mortgage makes sense for your financial scenario.

Holy cats! My credit card interest rates!

I decided to take my own advice that I’ve been dishing out about credit cards and debts. Today I reviewed my credit card accounts to see what my current interest rates are. I’m pretty lucky to have great credit and that I’m able to pay off my debts monthly. [Read more…]

Another reason to pay off your credit card debts

Yesterday I read an interesting article in the Seattle Times about how (and why) to pay off your credit card debt as soon as possible. The article warns of a slowing economy and future rate hikes by the Fed, which will translate to higher interest rates on credit card debt. In addition to the higher rates, the slower economy may cause some people to have reduced income which will be more challenging with the high interest rate debt.

The article encourages readers to have an emergency savings fund and to focus on paying off credit card debt. [Read more…]

Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit

If you have been wanting to spruce up your kitchen, bathroom or any part of your home and you don’t want to touch your low interest rate on your existing mortgage, a second mortgage could be an option worth considering. [Read more…]