Inflation is a normal aspect of a growing economy. However, U.S.
Learning how to mitigate rising prices and how to invest during inflation can help you protect your finances against price increases.
What is inflation & what causes it?
Inflation is the general rise in the prices of goods and services over time. When prices rise, it decreases the purchasing power of money, and each dollar buys fewer goods and services. Put another way, the same goods and services cost more now than they did before.
This happens when an economy has too much money chasing after too few goods. In economics, this is described as the law of supply and demand. When consumer demand for goods and services is abnormally high, inflation typically rises at a faster pace than the historical average.
Inflation also can stem from an unusually low supply of goods and services, assuming the demand remains constant. When inflation rose to 40-year highs in 2022, supply chain disruptions reduced the supply of goods, while consumer demand stayed high, unemployment was low and households generally had more cash to spend.
Tips on how to invest during inflation
There are multiple ways to help your financial strategy outpace inflation over time. As is always the case, investing involves risk. There are no guarantees—and investing during periods of inflation is no different. The general theory behind investing during inflation is to outpace the average rate of inflation over the long term. One
Here are some time-tested saving and investing strategies to consider:
Stocks
As an
TIPS
REITs
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are companies that own and operate income-producing real estate. Property values and rental income often rise along with inflation.
Gold
During times of uncertainty and rising prices, investors have historically used gold as a hedge. Keep in mind, though, that while gold is generally a stable asset, prices can fluctuate in the short term.
Consumer staples
These are stocks of companies that sell items people need even during times of economic difficulty, such as health and food products. These investments are positioned to do well during inflationary periods; however, there's no guarantee they'll generate positive returns.
Diversified investing
401(k) investing
If your employer offers a
Dollar cost averaging investment strategy
When you make periodic purchases with a set dollar amount, such as monthly 401(k) or other retirement contributions, you buy more shares of investments when prices are low and fewer shares when prices are high. Over time, this can average out and reduce market risk compared with investing a singular lump sum amount. This is called
Explore bond or CD laddering
Bond yields and interest rates for
Review your portfolio
For smart investment management, it's wise to periodically check to make sure your investments have the right mix to grow your money over time while minimizing short-term risk. You can do this yourself or with a
Good inflation vs. bad inflation
Inflation isn't always bad. In fact, it's normally a positive sign of a growing economy. Inflation is generally considered good when it's lower than the
Signs inflation is good
- Consumer confidence is growing. This positive outlook may fuel more economic growth.
- Interest rates are rising. For deposit accounts, this helps to grow savings rates.
- Higher prices are fighting off deflation. Price reductions (deflation) generally hurt an economy.
Signs inflation is bad
- Consumer and business confidence are falling. It creates uncertainty about the future and falling asset prices.
- Consumers have less purchasing power. This particularly harms people who have fixed incomes, like retirees.
- Interest rates are rising on loans and credit cards. This makes the cost of debt higher for consumers and businesses.
Budgeting strategies for battling inflation
Although rises in the prices of goods and services are generally not within your control, you can implement some tips to offset the negative effects of inflation. These strategies focus on behaviors you can exert some power over, such as changing your spending habits:
- Save wisely. It's always smart to have an
emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. However, inflation will reduce the purchasing power of your dollars if you're not earning enough interest to keep up with rising costs.
- Spend wisely. As prices for goods and services increase,
revisit your budget and look for areas to save money by spending less on items you don't need.
- Pay down credit card debt. When inflation rates rise,
interest rates typically rise along with it. This means that variable-rate debt could increase and cost you more.
- Postpone large expenses. If possible, reduce or delay big-ticket purchases like home appliances, cars and large vacations.
- Shop smarter and negotiate prices. If you need to make certain purchases during high inflation, spend more time shopping for deals and consider negotiating prices whenever possible.
- Drive smarter. To reduce the impact of high gas prices, consider car pooling, consolidating several errands into one trip, or even walking or biking if possible.
Inflation-conscious solutions are personal to you
Learning how to invest during inflation means pinpointing the strategies that work for each unique person and household. As you begin implementing an investment strategy for inflation, consider reviewing your budget and working with a local