Filing your taxes soon? Here’s how COVID-19 relief could affect what you owe
The coronavirus pandemic is making this year’s tax season complex.
7 min read
Mar 02, 2022
EXPERTISE
- Economy
- Federal Reserve
- U.S. economic policy
- Personal finance
- Taxes
- Unemployment insurance (UI)
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Science in News-Editorial Journalism, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Master of Science in Journalism, Northwestern University
The Federal Reserve is one of the most complex institutions in the world; yet, its decisions impact consumers’ wallets more than any other policymaker in Washington, D.C. My goal is to remove some of the mystery surrounding the U.S. central bank, so you can be an even smarter consumer.
— Sarah Foster
About the author
Bankrate.com writer Sarah Foster covers the Federal Reserve, the U.S. economy and economic policy. Originally from a small town in rural Illinois, Foster developed a passion for economics while watching her community recover from the Great Recession. She witnessed just how much Main Street is impacted by Wall Street and saw firsthand that the Federal Reserve’s most well-intentioned policies can still leave those most desperate for help behind.
Experience
Sarah previously worked for Bloomberg News, the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Daily Herald and has been quoted in several national and regional media outlets, including Yahoo! News, NBC, the Toronto Star, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and more.
Media mentions
The Federal Reserve is one of the most complex institutions in the world; yet, its decisions impact consumers’ wallets more than any other policymaker in Washington, D.C. My goal is to remove some of the mystery surrounding the U.S. central bank, so you can be an even smarter consumer.
— Sarah Foster
Sarah's latest articles
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The worst inflation in 40 years: Here’s when price pressures could hit their peak
Consumers are bracing for a longer stretch of high inflation. But when can it be expected to slow down?
7 min read Feb 25, 2022 -
What is the Federal Reserve? A guide to the world’s most powerful central bank
Its decisions impact your wallet arguably more than any other policymaker in Washington, D.C.
9 min read Feb 15, 2022 -
Tax season 2022: Everything to know before you file and how to get your refund fast
Experts say taxpayers should file quickly and start early — but don’t sacrifice accuracy.
7 min read Feb 09, 2022 -
Combating the racial wealth gap: 9 money moves for individuals of color
These longer-run challenges make saving and investing all the harder.
15 min read Feb 08, 2022 -
Fed keeps interest rates at zero, signals upcoming rate hike
Officials are sounding the alarm that they’re running the economy too hot.
7 min read Jan 26, 2022 -
3 ways to lower your student loan interest rate
Learn three tips to score a lower interest rate on student loans.
6 min read Jan 19, 2022 -
Higher inflation: Winners and losers when prices rise
Americans don’t have many places to hide from high inflation.
4 min read Jan 12, 2022 -
The Phillips curve, explained – and what it says about soaring inflation in the COVID economy
The principle can sometimes predict where inflation is heading.
5 min read Jan 07, 2022 -
Survey: Economists see unemployment sinking to near 50-year low in 2022
Employers should also restore just about all of their pandemic-related job cuts.
4 min read Jan 06, 2022 -
Survey: 93% of economists see the Fed lifting rates more than once in 2022
Economists say high inflation is forcing the Fed’s hand.
4 min read Jan 06, 2022 -
Survey: Experts predict another year of decades-high inflation
Price increases depend on supply chain and labor shortages.
4 min read Jan 06, 2022 -
Will the Fed raise interest rates in 2022? Here’s what experts are saying
The Fed will be kicking off a new era for policy in 2022.
5 min read Dec 27, 2021 -
Child tax credit: Here’s what to know for 2022
Whether U.S. families get another advance payment is still up in the air.
6 min read Dec 24, 2021 -
Fed sees three rate hikes in 2022 and speeds up its taper of bond purchases
Soaring inflation is making it hard for the Fed to justify its aggressive policies.
8 min read Dec 15, 2021
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