4 ways to lower your student loan interest rate
Learn three tips to score a lower interest rate on student loans.
5 min read
Mar 28, 2023
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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Younger Americans’ finances were already trailing behind older generations. Then came inflation
For younger generations, the economy may feel like it’s never worked in their favor.
15 min read Mar 23, 2023 -
Fed lifts interest rates another quarter point despite major bank distress
The Fed remains focused on battling inflation.
8 min read Mar 22, 2023 -
How the Fed impacts student loans
Some borrowers may want to pay attention to the Fed’s rate adjustments.
4 min read Mar 22, 2023 -
Fed’s interest rate history: A look at the fed funds rate from the 1980s to the present
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
9 min read Mar 22, 2023 -
Take these 10 steps now after the Fed’s latest interest rate hike
Consumers are witnessing the most hawkish Federal Reserve in decades. Here’s how to respond.
11 min read Mar 22, 2023 -
Here’s what the highest Fed rates in more than a decade mean for your money
The Fed impacts almost every financial decision you make.
9 min read Mar 21, 2023 -
March Fed meeting preview: Will the Fed raise rates after Silicon Valley Bank blowup?
Even experts are divided on whether the Fed will hike or hold.
8 min read Mar 15, 2023 -
Prices are still uncomfortably high — here’s what inflation is and what causes it
Experts say you’re probably paying $400 more thanks to inflation.
12 min read Mar 14, 2023 -
Why the Fed jumped in to prevent a full-blown banking crisis following the Silicon Valley Bank bust
Two bank failures could make the Fed think even more carefully about interest rates.
8 min read Mar 13, 2023 -
Overpaid unemployment benefits: What to do when your state wants the money back
Overpaid in unemployment benefits? Here’s how to resolve the issue efficiently.
5 min read Mar 10, 2023 -
The economy has avoided a recession so far — and it could be a nightmare for the Fed
Fed officials are warning interest rates could rise higher than previously expected.
8 min read Mar 07, 2023 -
Unemployment vs. underemployment, explained
Low joblessness isn’t the only indicator of a healthy labor market.
4 min read Feb 17, 2023 -
9 myths about the Federal Reserve — debunked
The complicated nature of the Fed’s job can perpetuate some wild claims.
8 min read Feb 14, 2023 -
How much will the Fed raise rates in 2023? Here’s what experts are saying
Interest rates have an even greater chance of rising higher than 5-5.25% in 2023.
7 min read Feb 07, 2023
