interest rates - EconomicHQ

How Federal Reserve Rate Changes Affect Consumers

Fed rate changes can influence credit cards, savings, auto loans, mortgages, and business financing, but consumer rates do not all move one-for-one with the federal funds rate.

Casey Lester October 7, 2026

Credit & Debt

CarMax Auto Finance: What an 11.8% Average Contract Rate Says About Used-Car Affordability

CarMax Auto Finance reported an 11.8% weighted-average contract rate in its latest quarter. Here’s how to interpret that figure without confusing it with an APR or a national auto-loan average.

Casey Lester October 3, 2026

Banking & Interest Rates

CDs Explained

Certificates of deposit exchange some liquidity for a fixed term. Learn how CD rates, maturities, early-withdrawal penalties, brokered CDs, and FDIC insurance work.

Casey Lester October 2, 2026

Banking & Interest Rates

Savings Account vs. Money Market Account

Savings accounts and money market deposit accounts are both deposit products, but rates, minimums, access, fees, and transaction rules can differ.

Casey Lester September 28, 2026

Banking & Interest Rates

APY vs. APR: What’s the Difference?

APY generally helps compare what deposits can earn, while APR helps compare borrowing costs. Here’s how each percentage works and what to check before deciding.

Casey Lester September 22, 2026

Banking & Interest Rates

How Interest Rates Work

A plain-English guide to interest rates, the federal funds rate, borrowing costs, savings yields, fixed versus variable rates, and how policy moves reach households.

Casey Lester September 22, 2026

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