Episode 61: Why Is Inflation So High?
Have your question answered on the Money Wisdom Question Series!
The question we’re answering today is, “Why is inflation so high in the year 2021?”
Well, there’s a couple of reasons.
A Stimulated Economy
One is that the economy has been stimulated by our Federal Reserve bank. Think about this as a bank that the government controls, keeping interest rates very, very low for a long time. When interest rates are low, people borrow money to buy things, companies borrow money to expand, and naturally, prices go up because there’s lots of purchasing going on in the economy. You might buy a home, you might finance a refrigerator or a car or something like that. It’s very stimulating to the economy, but sooner or later, when more people are buying things, prices begin to go up. That’s what has happened over a short period of time here over the last year, year and a half.
More Money, More Problems
The other challenge is because the government is spending so much money, they’re borrowing against our future, my children’s future, my grandchildren’s future. They’re borrowing against that. When the government does this, there is more money sloshing around in the economy, which means two things happen. One is, again, people buy things and prices go up. Companies spend money and prices go up. There’s also a concern that at some point we’re going to have to pay the piper. We’re going to have to pay that money back. So there’s pressure on the US dollar and our purchasing power goes down. That’s the big reason why inflation is high right now.
Takeaways
If you have a financial plan or an investment plan, you better be taking inflation into account and you better have investments that hedge against inflation so that if the cost of living goes up, the value of your investments goes up. To keep up with that increased cost of living, it’s very important to have the proper investment plan for inflation because it might be here to stay for a little bit.
Thanks for joining me and I hope you found this information helpful!
P.S. If you enjoyed this topic and want to learn more, download your copy of our guide, “Inflation and Your Retirement”.
P.P.S. Feel free to submit questions here for a chance to have them answered!
Information presented in our podcasts is considered current as of the created date. Over time, some information presented may become stale. We recommend you consult with your Financial Professional before making any changes based on information contained here.
Johnson Brunetti is a marketing name for the businesses of JB Capital and JN Financial.
Investment Advisory Services offered through JB Capital, LLC. Insurance Products offered through JN Financial, LLC.
The guarantees provided by any type of insurance contract are based on the claims-paying ability of the insurance company.
Related Resources
-
How Do I Get Out of Debt Fast?
Most people with debt want to get out of it quickly and efficiently. To do that, you first need a clear understanding of your financial situation. Second, you need a clear, actionable plan. In … -
Why Do I Need to Account for Inflation in Retirement?
Today’s question is: What is inflation and why is it important to account for in my retirement plan? Inflation is the rising cost of goods over time. Meaning, it will cost you more money next year… -
How Does a Tax Return Work?
As tax season concludes, it’s a good time to refresh your tax knowledge. In this week’s Money Wisdom Question Series, Ian Fergusson, RICP® discusses how filing your taxes works and why it’s essen… -
What Is a Fiduciary?
When it comes to managing your money, trust is everything. That’s why today’s question is one of the most common and important ones we receive: What is a fiduciary? In this week’s Money Wisdom … -
Podcast Episode 403: How to Approach Finances in a Second Marriage Later in Life
Getting engaged later in life is an exciting time, but it requires different financial planning conversations. With blended families, different retirement timelines, and evolving goals, couples in… -
Podcast Episode 404: Financial Goals You Shouldn’t Overlook
When it comes to preparing for retirement, most people focus on the obvious goals of saving enough and building an emergency fund. But in this episode of Money Wisdom, Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and … -
Understanding Retirement Planning
Planning for retirement isn’t just about saving – it’s about making smart financial decisions at every stage of life. A better understanding of the financial industry can help you avoid costly mis… -
Can I Get ‘Out’ of a Fixed-Rate Vehicle?
When you lock into a fixed-rate vehicle like a CD, fixed annuity, or fixed-indexed annuity, you’re committed to a specific interest rate for a set period. But what happens when after a few years, … -
Podcast Episode 402: How Often Should You Meet with Your Financial Advisor?
A good relationship between a client and their financial advisor relies on clear communication and regular check-ins to ensure everything is on track. In this episode of the Money Wisdom podcast, … -
Think Like the Rich
As you enter retirement, your financial focus shifts from growing your wealth to preserving your assets and generating income. In this stage of life, adopting the mindset of the wealthy can go a l…