Inflation refers to a general increase in the prices of basic commodities and services, usually taken to represent an average spending pattern (Mankiw, 2012). In simpler terms, inflation is the rise in the cost of living due to an exaggerated increase in commodity prices. As inflation sets in, both individuals, corporations, and the government usually feels its impacts. However, a significant increase in the level of inflation will cause numerous impacts on me as an individual.
Since inflation means a rise in prices of common and basic goods, my purchasing power will reduce since the income shall remain constant as prices rise up (Sexton, 2007). This is because the rate of inflation affects the currency’s purchasing power. As inflation rises, the value of the currency reduces proportionately or even at a higher rate pattern (Mankiw, 2012). Generally, the prevailing rate of inflation dictates the number of goods that I will be able to afford. As the cost of basic such as fuel prices, its trickle-down effects are manifold. The energy prices will increase the prices of foodstuffs such as grains since the machinery costs used in production shall have increased.
Because of a rise in the cost of living, it will lead to lower standards of living since inflation negatively influences the comfort of life. To demonstrate this impact, clearly, there shall be a shift from spending on leisure activities toward basic commodities.
Inflation influences budgeting and planning for investment. Ordinarily, inflation is a phenomenon that happens without the prior and perfect knowledge of an individual, and as such, planned budgets are affected. The confusion created by an uncertain increase in both costs and prices eventually hampers the planning process (Sexton, 2007). Similarly, the amount planned for investment will reduce hence causing a detriment in my overall investment base.
Inflation causes money to lose its value due to a rise in the price level. Since I am a regular saver, the rising inflation will affect me in the sense that I will lose confidence in the currency as a measure of value. This is because the rate of savings will be lower than the inflation resulting in a negative real interest rate on savings (Madura, 2006). For instance, if the per year inflation rate is at 6% while the nominal rate on savings is 3%, it means that the real interest rate on my savings is -3%.
The other effect of inflation will be tendencies of food shortages on the market occasioned by hoarding by sellers. Market analysis shows that an anticipated increase in inflation stimulates hoarding since sellers withhold goods with a view to selling at a higher price. Sellers will begin to cause physical scarcity of food and other products on the market since they would be anticipating better prices in the future (Sexton, 2007). As an individual, it will become difficult to access basic items, and if available, their prices will be excessively farther than what I can afford.
However, I will also be able to benefit from the government intervention plans and policy adjustments geared towards addressing inflation (Madura, 2006). The government’s policy to amend the nominal rates in order to cushion the savers will automatically be advantageous to me. As such, I will be motivated to increase my savings and investment in order to meet my future investment objectives.
Reference
Madura, J. (2006). Introduction to business. New York, NY: Cengage Learning.
Mankiw, N.G. (2012). Principles of macroeconomics (6th.). Mason, OH: South-Western, Cengage Learning.
Sexton, R. L. (2007). Exploring Economics. New York, NY: Cengage Learning.