Inflation and purchasing power
When prices rise, the same amount buys less. Find out how much you will need tomorrow to keep today's purchasing power.
To buy in 10 years what $10,000.00 buys today, you will need
$12,189.94
Real value of the cash not invested
$8,203.48
in today's dollars
Loss of purchasing power
17.97%
An investment must return at least 2.00% a year, after fees and taxes, to make up for it.
Year by year
- Amount needed for the same purchasing power
- Real value of the cash kept without investing
Yearly table (show / hide)
| Year | Amount needed | Real value, not invested |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000.00 | $10,000.00 |
| 1 | $10,200.00 | $9,803.92 |
| 2 | $10,404.00 | $9,611.69 |
| 3 | $10,612.08 | $9,423.22 |
| 4 | $10,824.32 | $9,238.45 |
| 5 | $11,040.81 | $9,057.31 |
| 6 | $11,261.62 | $8,879.71 |
| 7 | $11,486.86 | $8,705.60 |
| 8 | $11,716.59 | $8,534.90 |
| 9 | $11,950.93 | $8,367.55 |
| 10 | $12,189.94 | $8,203.48 |
Calculation: amount needed = amount × (1 + inflation)^years; real value = amount ÷ (1 + inflation)^years. Inflation is assumed constant.