As summer days approach, we’re all primed to flaunt our freshly chosen swimwear and chic sandals à la Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, and Jennifer Lawrence. But it’s not just our wardrobes that demand a seasonal shift; our finances crave a refresh too. With a changing financial landscape, it’s time to rethink our money moves, particularly for those considering buying a new home or refinancing.
Like a surprise plotline from “Sex and the City,” homebuyers and mortgage holders were handed an unexpected financial cocktail of relief on Wednesday. The Federal Reserve, our very own ‘Mr. Big’ of finance, has decided to hit pause on its succession of interest rate hikes.
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Wondering why this matters to you? The federal funds rate – the cost for banks to borrow money overnight – influences various other interest rates, including the ones on your mortgage. This shift could stabilize or even slightly decrease mortgage rates, giving you a breather after the unpredictable spring we’ve been through.
Why is the Fed taking a rest? Post-COVID-19 inflation didn’t fade as expected, and in a bid to control it, the Fed began raising the federal funds rate in March 2022.But these financial maneuvers take time to have an effect.
In an interview with Nerdwallet, economist David Bieri painted a vivid picture, comparing the strategy to braking a car, but you only find out after a delay whether the brakes have taken hold.
As we move forward, how does this affect your mortgage? Amid other contributing factors like persistent inflation, bank failures, and ongoing debt ceiling negotiations, the financial market has felt like a roller-coaster ride straight out of an amusement park. However, the Fed’s decision could allow mortgage rates to cool down for a bit.
This shift could bring a pause or even a slight drop in mortgage rates. The duration of this relief, whether it’s a short skip or a longer pause, will determine if we see a rate rebound or a further decline.
Fed officials have also clarified that a rate cut isn’t likely soon. The financial future may seem as unpredictable as a “Sex and the City” script, but armed with this knowledge, you’re better prepared to make smart, informed decisions, just like you would for your summer fashion haul.
Remember, navigating your financial journey with a little help from your friends (or a savvy financial app like Wellthi) can turn these money moments into empowering milestones. Here’s to stepping into a financially sunny summer season, ladies!
You can download the Wellthi app here, and act by July 3, you could win $10,000 for just posting your financial goal in the app!
Go Deeper
www.federalreserve.gov – Official website of the Federal Reserve
www.nytimes.com/section/business/economy – Business and economy section of The New York Times
www.bankrate.com/mortgages – Bankrate’s mortgage section with information and rates
www.cnbc.com/mortgages – CNBC’s mortgage coverage with news and analysis
