Interest rates move, sometimes quickly. When they do, loan costs, savings yields, and even rent negotiations can change. You can't control the market, but you can control your response. Step one: inventory your debt. List balances, rates, and terms. If you hold variable-rate loans, model the payment at +1% and +2% using our loan calculator. Step two: build buffer. Add one extra month of expenses to your emergency fund while volatility is high. Step three: avoid impulsive refinancing. Lower rates are attractive, but fees matter—compare total cost, not just the monthly number. For savers, shop around. High-yield accounts respond to rate moves at different speeds. A 15-minute check each quarter often pays for itself. Volatility isn't a reason to panic; it's a reason to plan.