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Honest Figures

Saving & investing

Inflation Calculator

At 3% inflation, $50,000 today will have the buying power of about $27,684 in 20 years. Put another way, the things $50,000 buys now will cost around $90,306 then. Set an amount, a time span and a rate below. US inflation has averaged around 3% over the long run, though it moves a lot year to year.
Buying Power
$27,684
what $50,000 will be worth in 20 years
20
3.0%
Buying power later$27,684
Same goods will cost$90,306

The quiet tax on cash

Inflation is easy to ignore because it works slowly, but over a long horizon it is one of the biggest forces on your money. At a steady 3%, cash loses roughly half its buying power in about 24 years. That is why money you will not need for a long time usually belongs somewhere that at least keeps pace with rising prices, rather than sitting in a checking account. It is also why a raise that only matches inflation is not really a raise. Slide the rate up and you will see how much faster things move when inflation runs hot.

Assumes a steady rate. Real inflation varies year to year. Not financial advice.

IRS · 2026
$16,100
standard deduction, single filer

Married $32,200 · Head of household $24,150

Estimate your income tax

Common questions

Why does inflation matter for savings?

Money that sits still loses value as prices rise. At 3%, cash roughly halves in buying power over about 24 years, so long-term savings usually need to earn more than inflation.

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