“If the current annual inflation rate is 7.9 percent, why do my bills seem like they’re 10 percent higher than last year?”1

Many of us ask ourselves that question, and it illustrates the importance of understanding how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.

What Is Inflation?

Inflation is defined as an upward movement in the average level of prices. Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases a report called the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to track these fluctuations. It was developed from detailed expenditure information provided by families and individuals on purchases made in the following categories: food and beverages, housing, apparel, transportation, medical care, recreation, education and communication, and other groups and services.2

How Applicable Is the CPI?

While it’s the commonly used indicator of inflation, the CPI has come under scrutiny. For example, the CPI rose 7.9 percent for the 12-months ending in February 2022. However, a closer look at the report shows movement in prices on a more detailed level. Energy prices, for example, rose 25.6 percent during those 12 months.1

Are Investments Affected by Inflation?

They sure are. As inflation rises and falls, three notable effects are observed.

First, inflation reduces the real rate of return on investments. So, if an investment earned 6 percent for a 12-month period and inflation averaged 1.5 percent over that time, the investment’s real rate of return would have been 4.5 percent. If taxes are considered, the real rate of return may be reduced even further.3

Second, inflation puts purchasing power at risk. When prices rise, a fixed amount of money has the power to purchase fewer and fewer goods.

Third, inflation can influence the actions of the Federal Reserve. If the Fed wants to control inflation, it has various methods for reducing the amount of money in circulation. Hypothetically, a smaller supply of money would lead to less spending, which may lead to lower prices and lower inflation.

Empower Yourself with a Trusted Professional

When inflation is low, it’s easy to overlook how rising prices are affecting a household budget. On the other hand, when inflation is high, it may be tempting to make more sweeping changes in response to increasing prices. The best approach may be to reach out to your financial professional to help you develop a sound investment strategy that takes both possible scenarios into account.

1. USInflationCalculator.com, 2022
2. BLS.gov, 2022
3. This is a hypothetical example used for illustrative purposes only. It is not representative of any specific investment or combination of investments. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Some of us share a common experience. You’re driving along when a police cruiser pulls up behind you with its lights flashing. You pull over, the officer gets out, and your heart drops.

“Are you aware the registration on your car has expired?”

You’ve experienced one of the costs of procrastination.

Procrastination can cause missed deadlines, missed opportunities, and just plain missing out.”

Procrastination is avoiding a task that needs to be done—postponing until tomorrow what could be done today. Procrastinators can sabotage themselves. They often put obstacles in their own path. They may choose paths that hurt their performance.

Though Mark Twain famously quipped, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow,” we know that procrastination can be detrimental, both in our personal and professional lives. Problems with procrastination in the business world have led to a sizable industry in books, articles, workshops, videos, and other products created to deal with the issue. There are a number of theories about why people procrastinate, but whatever the psychology behind it, procrastination may cost money—particularly when investments and financial decisions are put off.

As the illustration below shows, putting off investing may put off potential returns.

If you have been meaning to get around to addressing some part of your financial future, maybe it’s time to develop a strategy. Don’t let procrastination keep you from pursuing your financial goals.

Early Bird

Let’s look at the case of Cindy and Charlie, who each invest $100,000.

Charlie immediately begins depositing $10,000 a year in an account that earns a 6% rate of return. Then, after 10 years, he stops making deposits.

Cindy waits 10 years before getting started. She then starts to invest $10,000 a year for 10 years into an account that also earns a 6% rate of return.

Cindy and Charlie have both invested the same $100,000. However, Charlie’s balance is higher at the end of 20 years because his account has more time for the investment returns to

The Cost of Procrastination - Picture1

 

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Let’s be honest – how many times have you played the “if I ever win the lottery, I’m going to….” game? Most everyone dreams of being wealthy at some point. But what if you could think it into reality? Consider this: how you think drives your beliefs, which influences your attitude and feelings, and those motivate your actions. I’ve seen it – those who live with a wealthy mindset often set themselves up for a wealthy life.
As a financial advisor, here are some of the habits I see in wealthy people…with wealthy mindsets:

  • They view building wealth as a necessity. I see it often – the wealthy prioritize wealth building activities. In fact, they will make sure money is saved to their retirement accounts before taking vacations. I’ve had to prove in a numbers analysis that they will be okay long-term if they make a temporary change to their lifetime habit of building wealth.
  • Speaking of habit, they make building wealth an actual habit. Wealthy people put cash flow toward fostering wealth automatically before discretionary spending. They will track and monitor the numbers that matter, are mindful of how much they have, pay attention to what money is coming in and going out, and check this information habitually.
  • They focus on staying in the positive. Positive cash flow, positive wealth and positive net worth. They maintain a positive attitude with money.
  • They have a willingness to change. Staying fluid and knowing the right time to make changes applies not only to investment decisions, but also to life changes. Humans are creatures of comfort, so it is important to occasionally step outside comfort zones to not get stuck where we are.
  • They don’t believe in winning or losing. Being resilient in unplanned situations is important. People with a wealthy mindset remain steadfast during the ups and downs of life, confident of their success in the end.
  • They keep an eye on the bigger picture. People with wealth occasionally take a step back to gain perspective. Sometimes the value of investments change, and other times life changes require increased expenses. It’s important to continue taking small steps in the right direction.
  • They don’t do it alone. Wealthy people are often wise people. They seek advice from others, surrounding themselves with those who think similarly. They are open to learning while being able to discern what is best for them.
  • They spend with intention. Back to the first observation – wealthy people prioritize where they spend their money. They don’t spend indiscriminately; they practice frugal hedonism by putting their money in what they value most while continually investing in wealth.

What does wealth look like in your life? Here’s to helping you step into your abundance!

Kendra Erkamaa

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