Money and You: Consumer Resources
Welcome to the St. Louis Fed: We are one of 12 regional Federal Reserve banks that, together with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., make up the U.S. central bank. Federal Reserve banks are sometimes known as “bankers’ banks” because we provide services to commercial banks—similar to how commercial banks provide services to you, their customers. We also offer free, educational resources covering personal finance and economics.
Want to learn more about money matters? Check out the short videos below.
Banking Basics
Different Bank Account Types
What are the different kinds of bank accounts, and which is the best one for you? Checking, savings, money market? Understand your choices.
Learn More: Banking Basics
Banks vs. Alternatives
Payday and title lenders, pawn shops and check-cashing services can be convenient and offer financial services similar to those of traditional providers—chiefly, banks and credit unions. Here’s what consumers should know about alternative financial services.
Learn More:Fast Cash and Payday Loans
What Influences Mortgage Rates?
Mortgage rates change frequently for many reasons. Learn more about the economic conditions and other factors borrowers might keep in mind when buying a home.
Learn More: Mortgage Basics
Budgeting Tips
Credit Score Explained
Credit scores can affect things like your ability to rent an apartment or buy a car. Learn more about credit scores and how you can get a good one.
Learn More: How Your Credit Score Is Determined and How to Improve It
How to Pay Down Credit Card Debt
What should you do if you’re faced with credit card debt? The answer is different for everyone. Here are three potential options.
Learn More: What Is the Best Strategy for Paying Off Credit Card Debt?
Budgeting 101
Making a budget is like planning a road trip for your personal finances. Learn the essentials of budgeting—from understanding income and expenses, to tracking spending, to planning for the unexpected.
Learn More: When the Unexpected Happens, Be Ready with an Emergency Fund
Renting 101
Renting your first apartment or home can be exciting. If you are a first-time renter, you’ll want to plan for background and credit checks, know what you're signing when it comes to the lease, and make a budget for total monthly expenses.
Learn More: On the Move: Renting Basics
Interest Rates
Inflation and Interest Rates Explained
There’s a lot of interest in interest rates these days. Discover how the Fed uses interest rates to pursue stable prices.
Learn More: The Differences between Prices and Inflation Explained
Interest Rates and the Economy
The Fed has two main objectives: price stability and maximum employment. Learn how the Fed adjusts the target range for a key interest rate to influence the economy—including saving and spending decisions by consumers and businesses.
Learn More: What Is the Federal Funds Rate and How Does It Affect Consumers?
The Fed’s Role in Banking
Supervising and Regulating Financial Institutions
The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 established the Federal Reserve System to provide the nation with a safer, more flexible and more stable monetary and financial system. Learn how the Federal Reserve promotes the safety and soundness of individual financial institutions and monitors their impact on the financial system as a whole.
Learn More: 5 Functions of the Fed (YouTube playlist)
