Inflation & Purchasing Power
See how assumed inflation changes the future purchasing power of money.
Ipotesi
Estimated cost of the same basket
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Purchasing power of today’s money
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Purchasing power lost
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Purchasing power over time (simulated)
Risultato simulatoAssumes a constant inflation rate — real inflation varies by country and year. Educational illustration only.
Inflation quietly reduces what money buys over time. This simulator converts future amounts into today’s purchasing power using a hypothetical inflation rate, and shows how prices compound upward just like interest.
Future value vs. purchasing power
Future value = present × (1 + inflation)^years. Purchasing power moves the other way: PV = FV / (1 + inflation)^years. At 3% inflation, prices roughly double in about 24 years.
Why cash loses slowly
Money under the mattress loses real value even though the number of notes is unchanged. Holding all wealth in cash long-term carries this inflation risk, while investing carries market risk — both deserve a deliberate decision.
Real vs. nominal returns
Subtract inflation from a nominal return to approximate the real return. Always compare financial projections in inflation-adjusted terms, or the future will look richer than it will feel.
Calculator FAQ
What inflation rate should I use?
Many planners use a long-run assumption near 2–3% for developed economies, but actual inflation varies widely by country and year. Test a range; it is an assumption, not a forecast.
Does this mean I should invest all my cash?
No. Emergency funds and short-term money prioritize safety and liquidity. The balance between inflation protection and market risk is personal — we provide education, not investment advice.
Where does the rate data come from?
This demo uses the rate you enter. A production version may cache published inflation indicators via KV, always attributed to the official source.