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8 Valuable Facts About The Federal Reserve

Introduction To The Federal Reserve

Discover the roles of the Federal Reserve. Learn about the other facts that you should know about, from serving as the government's bank to purchasing and selling government securities and more. See what's helping people be informed about the Federal Reserve and how you can benefit from those same advantages.

Are you trying to remain savvy about today's economy? If you are, it's time to acquaint yourself with the Federal Reserve. Read on to discover valuable information about this important arm of the U.S. government.

1About The Federal Reserve

It was first formed in 1913. President Woodrow Wilson passed the Federal Reserve Act. The Federal Reserve can be thought of as the "big bank in the sky."

It was formed to promote and maintain an effective economy for the U.S. and keep the banking and monetary system in the U.S. strong and consistent. The Federal Reserve is located in Washington, D.C. It has 12 regional banks scattered throughout the country in large cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Kansas City, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Richmond, San Francisco, and St. Louis.

2Who Runs The Federal Reserve

A group of seven people, known as the Board of Governors, runs the Federal Reserve. They are hand-picked by the U.S. president, and their length of term is 14 years. The Senate must approve the president's selections for the Board of Governors.

3The Bank Members

You'll find that nearly all banks in the U.S. are members of the Federal Reserve. They are mandated to leave a portion of their dollars in the Federal Reserve. That amount of money is agreed upon by all seven people on the Board of Governors.

That amount isn't changed often. This is to maintain stability in the country's economy. The established dollar amount required for banks to leave in the Federal Reserve plays a major role in how much money is circulating in the U.S.

4For Banking Transactions

The government keeps all its money in the Federal Reserve. In terms of the Reserve's jobs, this is one of the most important. Banks also use the Federal Reserve for interbank transactions.

So if Bank A wants to borrow from Bank B, it's done through the Reserve. The Federal Reserve helps regulate how banking institutions do business. This is also to ensure the stability of the country's banking system.

5Purchase And Sell Government Securities

Government securities are also purchased and sold through the Federal Reserve. Government securities are debts owed by the government when it borrows funds. These debts are covered through the sale of bonds or notes ("securities") to citizen investors who invest in them to earn interest over the long term.

Such investments by individuals are usually long-term. They are considered secure. These investments are rated highly by Dow Jones and NASDAQ.

6Offer Loans To Financial Institutions

The Federal Reserve offers loans to financial institutions. Banking institutions must seek loans elsewhere first. However, the Federal Reserve will also give loans to banking institutions that prove their need.

7Protects The Citizens' Rights

The Federal Reserve protects the citizens' rights in terms of banking laws and regulations. If you ever have a serious dispute with your bank, you can seek out the Federal Reserve. They will provide guidance.

They will also help in resolving the matter. The Reserve will protect your interests. It will ensure that your bank follows all U.S. laws regarding your bank accounts.

8It's The Bank Of The IRS

The Federal Reserve provides the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with the vehicle and an account to send out and receive tax refunds and payments. So your yearly tax return payments and the tax return checks you receive pass through the Federal Reserve. It also keeps the public informed about foreclosures, credit reports, and mortgage foreclosure resources and provides guidance on dealing with financial institutions.

Having an understanding of the Federal Reserve will clarify how the U.S government controls the money. It will also give you general information about banking. If you ever have any serious banking concerns, you can turn to the Federal Reserve for information and guidance, too.



About Author

Jackie Wing

Jackie Wing is an Alaska native, who enjoys snowboarding more than is probably socially acceptable. She lives in Anchorage with her two dogs Reese and Peanut, or as she likes to call them "Thing 1" and "Thing 2."