Holiday essentials are surging this year thanks to inflation — here’s what’s most expensive
Almost every facet of celebrating the holidays is pricier this year.
11 min read
Nov 23, 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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Survey: Majority of Americans are delaying milestones and activities because of the economy
As inflation soars, most Americans say the economy has harmed their quality of life.
6 min read Nov 17, 2022 -
As inflation boils, younger Americans face extra holiday spending pressures
Americans face another challenging holiday season as inflation soars.
12 min read Nov 14, 2022 -
What is inflation and what causes it?
Inflation has a nasty reputation among policymakers, investors and consumers alike.
11 min read Nov 08, 2022 -
Recession odds are up to 65% — here’s how a downturn could affect you
Recessions bring discomfort at best — and financial pain at worst.
6 min read Nov 04, 2022 -
How much will the Fed raise interest rates in 2022? Here’s what experts are saying
The ultimate risk is doing more harm than good to the U.S. economy.
6 min read Nov 03, 2022 -
What is stagflation, explained — and whether the crisis may return for the first time in 40 years
Some consumers may be feeling the pinch of stagflation already.
7 min read Nov 03, 2022 -
How the Fed impacts student loans
Some borrowers may want to pay attention to the Fed’s rate adjustments.
4 min read Nov 02, 2022 -
Fed hikes interest rates by 0.75 percentage point for fourth straight meeting
Rates are now at a near 15-year high, but what comes next?
7 min read Nov 02, 2022 -
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.
8 min read Nov 02, 2022 -
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.
10 min read Nov 02, 2022 -
Survey: 43% of Americans say their finances are worse now than when Biden was elected
Americans were also more likely to blame Washington policymakers than credit them.
8 min read Oct 31, 2022 -
Here’s what the Fed’s fastest rate hikes in 40 years mean for your money
The Fed impacts almost every financial decision you make.
9 min read Oct 27, 2022 -
November Fed meeting preview: Officials set to approve fourth massive rate hike while eyeing next steps
How many more gargantuan rate moves does the Fed have up its sleeve?
8 min read Oct 26, 2022 -
When will the Fed stop raising rates? Maybe not as soon as you think
Economists worry the Fed might not know it’s done enough until it’s too late.
8 min read Oct 25, 2022
