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What Does Purchasing Power Mean?

By Matthew Frankel, CFPUpdated Dec 18, 2025 at 1:40 AM

Key Points

  • Purchasing power refers to the quantity of goods or services $20 can buy today.
  • Inflation erodes purchasing power, making $10 buy fewer loaves of bread over 10 years.
  • Investing in S&P 500 funds can outpace inflation, enhancing future purchasing power.

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