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The Perks of Credit Cards and Points Using credit cards offers more than just convenience—it's a way to earn points that can be redeemed for rewards like flights, gift cards, or cash back. These points feel like “free money” for cardholders who use their cards regularly. However, the value of these accumulated points is not static, and inflation has started to chip away at their worth. As prices rise, the purchasing power of your points declines. It's crucial to be strategic about how and when you redeem them to maximize their value. How Inflation Impacts Your Points Although inflation has been trending down in recent months, prices remain elevated compared to just a few years ago. This means that while one point may still technically be worth about 1 cent, the purchasing power of that cent has diminished. According to personal finance experts, a cent has lost roughly 20% of its value since 2019. In the same way, credit card points have lost value as well, making it harder to redeem them for the same amount of goods or services as in the past. In 2023, cardholders accumulated an impressive $34 billion worth of points, a 70% increase from 2019, largely due to increased spending during inflationary periods. But despite accumulating more points, cardholders are finding that they need more points to redeem for rewards like flights or hotel stays because of inflation-driven price increases. This “earn more, spend more” cycle can be a frustrating reality for those trying to maximize their points’ value. Be Strategic with Your Points Given that credit card points are losing value over time, it's important to approach spending them thoughtfully. If you’ve been stockpiling points, now may be the time to start spending them. Experts recommend the “earn and burn” approach—use your points relatively soon after you accumulate them to avoid further devaluation. Here are a few strategies to help make the most of your points: Redeem Early: Don’t let your points sit too long. As inflation erodes their value, holding onto points indefinitely can be a losing game. Shop Around: When redeeming points, especially for travel, take the time to compare options. Some airlines or frequent flyer programs might offer better deals than others. Dynamic pricing means that the number of points needed for a flight can vary depending on timing and demand. Consider Transferring Points: Many credit card issuers allow you to transfer points to airline or hotel loyalty programs. Sometimes, transferring points can provide better value than redeeming them directly through your credit card's rewards portal. Points and Dynamic Pricing Another factor to consider is that some airlines have shifted from a flat-fee model to dynamic pricing for points-based redemptions. This means that the points required for a flight may fluctuate based on demand, timing, and other factors—making it harder to predict how far your points will go. For example, a flight you might have booked for 20,000 points last year could cost you 30,000 points today due to higher demand or increased costs for airlines. With the ongoing changes in the way points are valued, staying informed and flexible is key to getting the most out of your credit card rewards. Maximize Your Points Before They Lose More Value Inflation’s impact on your credit card points means you need to be proactive about how you use them. Waiting too long could cost you, as each year those points buy less than they did the year before. By spending wisely and strategically, you can still take advantage of the rewards you've earned without letting inflation eat away at their value. Follow and like our social media accounts to stay updated on financial tips and strategies for managing your wealth in today's economy.
As the Federal Reserve prepares for its September meeting, much attention is focused on the possibility of an interest rate cut. Economic data has been signaling the potential for policy changes, and many investors and economists are trying to forecast what may come next. This blog delves into the historical context of interest rates, examines the present economic landscape, and discusses the implications of the potential rate cuts by the Fed. Post-World War II to the 1980s: A Rollercoaster of Rates Historically, interest rates have fluctuated significantly in response to inflationary pressures, economic cycles, and Federal Reserve policy decisions. 1950s and 1960s: In the years following World War II, the United States experienced relatively low interest rates, with the federal funds rate averaging between 1-2%. This period was characterized by stable growth and moderate inflation. 1970s: Inflation began to rise in the late 1960s, leading to higher interest rates. By the mid-1970s, the federal funds rate had climbed to 5-6% as the Fed tried to manage growing inflationary concerns. 1980s: One of the most memorable periods in interest rate history occurred during the early 1980s under Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker. To combat inflation, Volcker dramatically increased the federal funds rate, which peaked at 21.5% in 1981. This sharp rise in rates successfully tamed inflation but also led to a recession. 1990s to 2008: Stability and Gradual Adjustments The 1990s marked a period of relative calm in terms of interest rate policy. Under the leadership of Alan Greenspan, the Federal Reserve adopted a more measured approach. 1990s: Rates typically fluctuated between 3-6% during this decade, with the Fed making gradual adjustments to accommodate economic expansion while keeping inflation in check. Early 2000s: After the dot-com bust and the September 11 attacks, the Federal Reserve cut rates significantly, with the federal funds rate hitting a low of 1% in 2003. This was followed by gradual increases in the mid-2000s until the global financial crisis of 2008. Post-2008 Crisis to Today: Low Rates and Gradual Recovery The 2008 financial crisis ushered in a new era of historically low interest rates. The Federal Reserve slashed the federal funds rate to near zero (0-0.25%) to stimulate economic activity and prevent further economic collapse. This policy remained in place for several years. 2015-2018: As the economy recovered, the Fed began increasing interest rates again, with the rate reaching around 2.25-2.50% by 2018. 2020 Pandemic: In response to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve once again cut rates to near zero, which continued until inflation concerns prompted the Fed to start raising rates in 2022 and 2023. Current Economic Landscape and Expectations for Rate Cuts As we approach the September 2024 meeting, the economic indicators are mixed, but many economists and traders anticipate a rate cut. According to a Reuters poll, a majority of economists expect the Fed to reduce rates by 25 basis points during each of its remaining meetings this year, bringing the federal funds rate to a range of 4.50%-4.75% by the end of 2024. Several factors support this prediction: Weaker-than-expected jobs report: A weaker July U.S. jobs report has raised expectations for rate cuts, as the labor market shows signs of cooling. Inflation: While inflation is easing, it remains above the Fed’s target of 2%, leading some experts to believe the cuts will be modest rather than aggressive. Stable economic growth: Despite concerns, the U.S. economy grew by 2.8% in Q2 of 2024, which indicates resilience even as inflation and rate hikes have slowed some sectors. Charts to Consider As we explore the relationship between interest rates and other economic indicators, consider two key charts: Interest Rates vs. Inflation: This chart will show how closely the federal funds rate has tracked inflation over the past several decades, highlighting key moments when rate changes were used to combat inflation.
