After dropping sharply during the Great Recession, inflation — as measured by changes in the consumer price index (CPI) — has begun to creep upward, averaging a little more than 2% annually from July 2009 through July 2013.1
This rate is still relatively low, but even moderate inflation can have a negative impact on the purchasing power of investments. Consider that a hypothetical investment earning 5% annually during a period of 2% annual inflation would return only 3% after inflation. The rate of return would be further reduced by income taxes.
Preserving Purchasing Power
If you want to help protect your investment dollars from inflation, you might consider Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). Along with the earnings potential associated with other Treasury bonds, TIPS are indexed to inflation. If the CPI rises, the principal value of TIPS increases. If the CPI falls, the principal value falls. TIPS are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest.
TIPS pay a fixed rate of interest twice a year based on the current principal, so the amount of interest may rise and fall. If you hold the bond to maturity, you will receive the greater of the original or inflation-adjusted principal. Unless you own TIPS in a tax-deferred account, however, you must pay federal income tax each year on the interest income plus any increase in principal, even though you won’t receive the accrued principal until the bond matures.
One convenient way to add Treasury securities to your portfolio is through TIPS mutual funds. Unlike individual TIPS, TIPS mutual funds have no maturity date and are very sensitive to interest-rate movements. Moreover, the principal value is not guaranteed. When interest rates rise, the value of underlying TIPS investments typically falls, which can adversely affect the fund’s performance.
The return and principal value of all bonds and mutual funds fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Shares, when sold, and individual bonds redeemed prior to maturity may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Mutual funds are sold by prospectus. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus, which contains this and other information about the investment company, can be obtained from your financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest.
1) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013
INVESTING RISK DISCLOSURE
Keep in mind that investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time and you may gain or lose money. Before investing, consider the funds’ investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Mahoney Asset Management for a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.
IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION
This web site has been prepared solely for informational purposes. It is not an offer to buy or sell any security; nor is it a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security.This site and the opinions and information therein are based on sources which we believe to be dependable, but we can not guarantee the accuracy of such information.
Representatives of a broker-dealer or investment adviser may only conduct business in a state if the representatives and the broker-dealer or investment adviser they represent: (a) satisfy the qualification requirements of, and are approved to do business by, the state; or (b) are excluded or exempted from the state’s licenser requirements.
An investor may obtain information concerning a broker-dealer, an investment advisor, or a representative of a broker-dealer or an investment advisor, including their licenser status and disciplinary history, by contacting the investor’s state securities law administrator.
SECURITIES: ARE NOT FDIC-INSURED/ARE NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE
This information is intended for use only by residents of CA, CT, DC, FL,, MA, MD, MN, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, and VA. Securities-related services may not be provided to individuals residing in any state not listed above.
The financial calculator results shown represent analysis and estimates based on the assumptions you have provided, but they do not reflect all relevant elements of your personal situation. The actual effects of your financial decisions may vary significantly from these estimates–so these estimates should not be regarded as predictions, advice, or recommendations. Mahoney Asset Managment does not provide legal or tax advice. Be sure to consult with your own tax and legal advisors before taking any action that would have tax consequences.
Securities offered through
Newbridge Securities Corporation,
member FINRA / SIPC
Investment Advisory Services offered through
Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc.,
an SEC Registered Investment Adviser.
Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction
1200 North Federal Highway, Suite 400
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Toll-Free: 877-447-9625
Phone: 954-334-3450
Fax: 954-489-2390
