Inflation May Be Here to Stay — Here’s How to Beat It

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links on our site, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend.

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RadioPublic | Stitcher | RSS

When I was born back in 1955, the median house price was around $11,000. Today, it’s about $330,000.

When I got my learner’s license in 1970, the median price of a new car was $3,500. Today? $41,000.

When my father was born, the average annual household income was $3,300. Today it’s about $70,000.

These are all examples of inflation — the erosion of the purchasing power of the dollar. Ignore it at your peril, especially if you’re anywhere near retirement age, since these are the years your income will likely rise by less than prices will.

We tend to think of inflation as consistent, but it’s not. Sometimes inflation is low; sometimes prices actually drop year to year.

But these days, inflation is rising faster than it has in years; in some cases, decades. So, what’s an investor to do?

That’s what this week’s “Money!” podcast is about. We’re going to try to figure out if the inflation we’re now experiencing is transitory, or if it’s here to stay. And if we are entering a period of high inflation, we’re going to talk about what you can do to fight back.

As usual, my co-host will be financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer and novice investor Aaron Freeman.

Sit back, relax and listen to this week’s “Money!” podcast:

Don’t listen to podcasts?

A podcast is basically a radio show you can listen to anywhere and anytime, either by downloading it to your smartphone, or by listening online. They’re awesome for learning stuff and being entertained when you’re in the car, doing chores, jogging or, if you’re like me, riding your bicycle.

You can listen to our latest podcasts here or download them to your phone from any number of places, including Apple, Spotify, RadioPublic, Stitcher and RSS.

If you haven’t listened to our podcast yet, give it a try, then subscribe. You’ll be glad you did!

Show notes

Want more information? Check out these resources:

Get smarter with your money!

Want the best money-news and tips to help you make more and spend less? Then sign up for the free Money Talks Newsletter to receive daily updates of personal finance news and advice, delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletter today.