Why does money feel worth less over time?▼
₹1 lakh in 2010 has the same purchasing power as ~₹2.2 lakh in 2024 due to ~5.5% average inflation over that period.
How to protect wealth from inflation?▼
Invest in equity (10–12% historical), real estate, gold as a hedge. Avoid holding large amounts in cash or low-yield savings accounts.
What is inflation-adjusted return?▼
Real return = ((1+nominal)÷(1+inflation)) – 1. A 10% return with 6% inflation = only 3.77% real return, not 4%.
How does inflation affect retirement planning?▼
Expenses will be 3–5× higher in 20 years at 6% inflation. Always plan retirement corpus in inflation-adjusted terms.
What is hyperinflation?▼
Extreme inflation above 50% per month. India has been moderate since economic liberalisation, averaging 5–7% CPI.