When we hear the word inflation we often feel it is a bad thing. The very hearing of the word can make us shudder. Inflation can mean that we pay more at the pump and more at the grocery store than we paid last month and scare the stock market beginners. The truth of the matter is, however, inflation may not always be bad. In fact, we depend on inflation for our properties to grow in value.
Here is an example of how inflation can be a good thing.
Bob and Marie bought their first home in 1989 for fifty four thousand dollars. The home payment, which includes the insurance premium and the taxes, were four hundred dollars each month.
In 2005, the value of their home had increased two hundred nine thousand dollars. Their payments have also increased due to an increase in the homes assessed value and insurance rates. Their total payment in 2005 is five hundred and forty dollars.
Bob and Marie have benefited greatly from inflation. There investment has grown by a five hundred percent factor. At the same time, they are paying the same amount of money for the home in 2006 that they were 17 years ago.
Bob and Marie list the property for sale, but it does not immediately sell. The market for real-estate quickly turns sour and they watch the value of their home drop. Eventually it is appraised at one hundred thirty thousand dollars and they decide to wait to sell. Although the payment remains constant, they are no longer seeing the benefits of inflation.
Runaway inflation is hurtful for most people. For those on fixed incomes, it is especially difficult. However, some inflation helps our lives to flow smoothly.
While we do not want runaway inflation, we do need balanced in inflation. That means that the price of goods will grow slowly along with take home pay and property values.
To invest in gold in the stock market get my free gold stock picks newsletter.