See how inflation erodes your purchasing power over time. Plan for rising costs and protect your future buying power.
Amount Needed
$163,862
Purchasing Power Lost
$38,973
Percentage Loss
39.0%
What Today's Amount Becomes
$61,027
| Year | Amount Needed | Purchasing Power | Cumulative Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $102,500 | $97,561 | $2,439 |
| 5 | $113,141 | $88,385 | $11,615 |
| 10 | $128,008 | $78,120 | $21,880 |
| 15 | $144,830 | $69,047 | $30,953 |
| 20 | $163,862 | $61,027 | $38,973 |
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Example output — not real data
🎯
4.8%
Real Return
📉
-38%
20yr Impact
🛡️
+$12K
TIPS Hedge
See your retirement income in real purchasing power, not nominal
Healthcare, housing, food — modeled separately for accuracy
What your investments truly earn after inflation erodes gains
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is the rate at which prices for goods and services increase over time. When is 3%, goods that cost $100 today will cost $103 next year. This erodes —your money buys less over time. is why you need to earn investment returns to maintain your standard of living.
The U.S. Federal Reserve targets 2% long-term inflation. Historically: 1980s-90s averaged 3-5%, 2000s-10s averaged 2-3%, 2021-2023 saw higher rates of 4-9%. Use this calculator with different rates to see scenarios ranging from deflation to high inflation periods.
is what you earn before (e.g., 7% stock return). is what remains after (e.g., 7% nominal - 2% inflation = 5% real). For long-term planning, matter. Your money must earn more than to grow .
Protect against inflation through investing (stocks historically return 10% vs. 3% inflation), real estate ownership, TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities), and earning career income increases. The key: earn returns exceeding inflation to maintain and build purchasing power.
Sagery provides educational estimates, not financial advice. All projections are based on the assumptions you provide — actual results will vary. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making financial decisions.