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We live in a modern, post-industrial economy where — whether we like it or not — much of our existence and financial health and well-being are determined by financial markets and transactions. Whether we are financial experts or just money-conscious consumers, we need to be aware of the importance of various rates: interest rates, the rate of inflation, and other similar factors in our day-to-day lives because they affect the prices of everything from basic consumer goods to luxury products; they determine the way we can borrow money for a house, a car, an education, or anything else; and knowledge of them and how they operate and influence the way we live can make us more conscious consumers in our complex market economy.

Here at Rate.com, you can find out the essentials of different interest rates, credit, the way inflation works and how it affects markets and consumers, and the importance of a person’s credit history in determining the various loans and interest rates that he or she will qualify for. All essential information–and explained in a way that everyone can understand. After all, not all of us need to know the formulae and the complex mathematical models of modern financial markets–but a basic knowledge of their workings is essential to every individual’s and family’s well-being, and it can mean the difference between financial success and financial ruin in people’s lives.

It is highly recommended that you first check out the “Interest Rates” page, which provides a general description of what the concept of interest is and how it is applied in various fields of our economy (both micro- as well as macroeconomically). You will also learn about the difference between nominal interest and real interest rates and be able to find other basic information. From there, you can proceed to read through the more specific pages about loan and credit card interest, auto loan rates, mortgage rates, CD rates, the concept of sub-prime interest, and the importance of your credit history (and the credit score that is its numerical expression) to the types and amounts of loans for which you may qualify. We hope that you find this site helpful in giving you an understanding of these concepts and that it will provide you with the basic navigational tools necessary for an often very complicated economy!