Calculate Purchasing Power
Value in Target Year
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Purchasing Power Lost
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Equivalent Salary Today
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Years to Lose Half Value
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⚠️ Disclaimer This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. All results are approximate and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Not financial advice.
Historical Context
| Period | Avg Inflation | $100 Became |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 → 2024 | 2.5% | $179 |
| 1990 → 2024 | 2.5% | $232 |
| 1980 → 2024 | 3.1% | $374 |
| 1970 → 2024 | 3.9% | $779 |
| 1950 → 2024 | 3.4% | $1,260 |
FAQ
Why does inflation matter for retirement? +
A $60,000 retirement income today needs to be $108,000 in 20 years at 3% inflation to buy the same stuff. If your investments only return 5% nominal, your real return is only 2%.
What's a good inflation hedge? +
Stocks historically outpace inflation over long periods. Real estate and TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities) also help. Cash is the worst — it loses purchasing power every year.