What Is Inflation and How Does it Affect You?

When you hear the word When looking at inflation in layman’s terms, inflation is when the prices of goods and services increase. Inflation can happen because of things such as product shortages, labor shortages, and wage increases. It can also be caused by hikes in prices for raw materials and higher demand for products. Changes in policy decisions for issues such as interest rates, tariffs, and government spending can also increase inflation.

How bad can it get?

So now that we know what inflation is, the next logical question is how bad can it possibly get? And honestly, there’s really no answer, as the limit doesn’t exist. For example, Zimbabwe has suffered from such extreme hyperinflation that the country issued currency that was worth 100 trillion local dollars. But that extreme hyperinflation isn’t happening here. When we look at a ten-year period, inflation has been kept more or less constant for the century. What cost $1 in 2011 only costs $1.19 in 2021. Good, right?

What does this mean for me?

When we look at the regular buyer, inflation means that the higher the rate of inflation, the less overall your money is worth. That’s why when you talk to a financial advisor, they generally want you to invest some of the savings that you have. The money that you diligently keep in a piggy bank for a rainy day is bound to decline in value over the years. That’s not to say that you’re completely powerless. Normally, when inflation happens, wage increases can make all the difference.

What is the Consumer Price Index?

Normally shortened as CPI, the consumer price index is a way to gauge the overall rate of increasing prices. This figure is absolutely necessary when figuring out the rate of inflations. CPI is calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics by assessing the changes in prices of goods such as energy, food, and cars.

This article was originally published on BrooklynnChandlerWilly.net

DISCLAIMER

Inflation can be a scary thing for a lot of people, especially those who don’t understand it. Hopefully, this article gave you a better understanding of inflation.

Indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly in an index. Unless otherwise noted, performance of indices does not account for any fees, commissions or other expenses that would be incurred. Returns do not include reinvested dividends.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of inflation compiled by the US Bureau of Labor Studies.

ABOUT BROOKLYNN CHANDLER WILLY

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Brooklynn Chandler Willy founded Texas Financial Advisory, where – for the past 13 years – she has been running the boutique Tax, Investment, and Estate Advisory Firm with a focus on catering to the goals and needs of the individuals with whom she works. Within the same year that she opened Texas Financial Advisory, the 2008 Financial Crisis struck and wiped out many small businesses.

However, for Brooklynn Chandler Willy, who was still building the firm, the crisis helped her develop a conservative and respectful approach to managing the assets meant to last her clients the rest of their lives. She and her team work with each client closely to define their financial goals and determine the best ways to manage taxes, necessary paths to take, and how to optimize existing assets for their specific needs.

Today, the firm – comprised of seven professionals holding more than 50 years of combined experience – offers a broad range of services with a narrow focus on providing the most comprehensive financial planning and investment solutions. Brooklynn Chandler Willy and the team are also proud to offer insurance products to better help their clients reach their goals.