In late 2008, the Federal Reserve took the unprecedented step of lowering interest rates to near zero. But when will this near-zero environment end? Your guess is as good as mine, but one thought is certain: rates remain at historically low levels. Some are calling for the Fed to raise interest rates this year, but even that estimate keeps changing. As we compare today’s rates to those of the past, it’s easy to see that rates today are way lower than they have been in the past. Some may see this as a problem. However, some may take advantage of this environment by locking in these low interest rates.