The Federal Reserve’s funneling of trillions of dollars into the economy over the past five years has provided a shot in America’s arm. The stimulus has affected consumers more than they realize, experts say, as will the tapering. On Wednesday, the Fed announced it would begin to wind down the quantitative easing program known as QE3. Analysts say consumers should start to prepare now — especially those who are planning to buy a car or home within the next three to six months. “The stimulus program was supposed to boost spending going in, so it’s going to reduce spending going out,” says Peter Morici, economist and ... (full story)