In trying economic times, the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank (the "Fed") plays a key role in sustaining the economic health of the U.S. economy. The Moneysmartz U.S. Federal Reserve Bank category includes listings from the Fed and the network of Federal Reserve banks throughout the United States. The Wikipedia listings and the How Stuff Works listing provide an overview of the Fed and its meaning in your financial life. While most won't immediately feel the financial impact of Federal Reserve Bank actions, an understanding of the inner workings of the Fed can help determine the timing of important financial decisions. Since the Fed plays a very important role in the rate of interest we pay on loans, a close watch and understanding of the Fed can yield big returns when determining when a mortgage should be financed or refinanced or when a company should pursue a lower interest loan.