Frequently Asked Questions
What is an inflation adjuster?
An inflation adjuster calculates how the purchasing power of money changes over time based on a given annual inflation rate. It shows what a sum of money today will be worth in the future, or what a future amount is worth in today's dollars.
What is a good inflation rate to use?
Historical US inflation averages around 3% per year. The ECB targets 2% for the eurozone. For conservative planning, many advisors suggest using 3-4%. During high-inflation periods, rates can exceed 8-10%.
How does inflation affect investments?
If your investment returns 7% annually but inflation is 3%, your real (inflation-adjusted) return is roughly 4%. This is why it's important to factor inflation into any long-term financial plan.
What's the difference between nominal and real value?
Nominal value is the face value of money without adjusting for inflation. Real value accounts for inflation, showing actual purchasing power. $100 today might only buy $74 worth of goods in 10 years at 3% inflation.