In September the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark fed funds rate to 2.25 percent, and has indicated it will further increase this interest rate to 2.5 percent in December 2018, 3.0 percent in 2019, and 3.5 percent in 2020. How will this affect you? The Federal Reserve rate hikes mean banks will pay you a higher interest on your savings. But they will also charge you more for loans. Here are six steps to take now while interest rates are on the rise. 1. If you need to bu