7.2.26
La inflación y tu dinero
“If the current annual inflation rate is less than 3 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.
¿Qué es la inflación?
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 2.4 percent for the 12 months ending in September 2024. However, a closer look at the report shows movement in prices on a more detailed level. Transportation services prices, for example, rose 8.5 percent during those 12 months. CPI is a basket of goods, and your basket of goods may not reflect the basket of goods represented by the CPI.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.
1USInflationCalculator.com, 2025. As of August 2025.
2BLS.gov, 2025
3This 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.
El contenido se desarrolla a partir de fuentes que se cree que brindan información precisa. La información contenida en este material no pretende ser asesoramiento fiscal o legal. No se puede utilizar con el fin de evitar sanciones fiscales federales. Consulte a profesionales legales o fiscales para obtener información específica sobre su situación individual. Este material fue desarrollado y producido por FMG Suite para brindar información sobre un tema que pueda ser de su interés. FMG Suite no está afiliada a ningún corredor de bolsa ni a ninguna firma de asesoría de inversiones registrada en el estado o en la SEC. Las opiniones expresadas y el material proporcionado son para información general y no deben considerarse una solicitud para la compra o venta de ningún valor. Copyright FMG Suite.
Los valores y servicios de asesoramiento se ofrecen a través de LPL Financial (LPL), un asesor de inversiones y corredor de bolsa registrado (miembro FINRA/SIPC).
Los productos de seguros se ofrecen a través de LPL o sus filiales autorizadas. Consumers Credit Union y Consumers Investment Services. no son LPL está registrada como agente de bolsa o asesor de inversiones. Los representantes registrados de LPL ofrecen productos y servicios a través de Consumers Investment Services y también pueden ser empleados de Consumers Credit Union. Estos productos y servicios se ofrecen a través de LPL o sus filiales, que son entidades independientes de Consumers Credit Union o Consumers Investment Services, y no están afiliadas a ellas. Los valores y seguros ofrecidos a través de LPL o sus filiales son:
| No Asegurado por NCUA o Cualquier Otra Agencia Gubernamental | No Está Garantizado Por La Cooperativa De Crédito | No Depósitos Ni Obligaciones De Cooperativas De Crédito | Puede Perder Valor |
Consumers Credit Union proporciona referencias a profesionales financieros de LPL Financial LLC (“LPL”) en virtud de un acuerdo que permite a LPL pagar a Consumers Credit Union por estas referencias. Esto crea un incentivo para que Consumers Credit Union las haga, lo que resulta en un conflicto de intereses. Consumers Credit Union no es cliente actual de LPL para servicios de corretaje o asesoría. Visite https://www.lpl.com/disclosures/is-lpl-relationship-disclosure.html para obtener información más detallada.
Los representantes registrados de LPL Financial asociados con este sitio web solo pueden negociar y/o realizar transacciones comerciales con residentes de los estados en los que están debidamente registrados o autorizados. No se podrán hacer ni aceptar ofertas de ningún residente de ningún otro estado.
