Inflation in the financial context
The money we earn or save is usually kept in a bank account or entered by buying a property. We usually have an interest rate on our account, so our savings increase in the future compared to the initial amount. For example, if we have 1, 000inasavingsaccountwith3%interest, wewillhave 1,030 in the account after one year. During the year, the general price level changes, which di- rectly affects the real value of your money. Although we have $ 1,030 in our account, they will be worth a little less than a year earlier. If the inflation rate, e.g. 2%, then the real value of the money in our account is only $ 1,010.
The conclusion follows that the nominal interest rate is not the best basis for estimating the real value of our profit. It is better to use an inflation-adjusted rate or a real interest rate. Unlike savings when we borrow money, inflation can be on our side, depending on the real interest rate. If the inflation rate is higher than the interest rate, the money we owe over time will be worthless. But if there is deflation, our debt may increase.