What about inflation

 I have been asked by many approaching retirement this question, 

"Do you really need to take a view on inflation for the purposes of modelling future wealth?"

When approaching retirement and trying to model future wealth, it's essential to consider the potential impact of inflation on your financial planning. Inflation is a key factor that can erode the purchasing power of your savings and investments over time. 

 Inflation is the gradual increase in the prices of goods and services over time, which reduces the real value of money. It's a common economic phenomenon that affects everyone's finances.

Inflation in your financial planning can result in the overestimation of your future wealth. In other words, what seems like a comfortable retirement fund today may not provide the same standard of living in the future due to rising prices.

It's prudent to consider inflation when modeling future wealth. This can be done by using an inflation rate as one of the variables in your financial projections. Typically, a moderate inflation rate (historically around 2-3%) is used as a baseline, but you can adjust it to your specific circumstances or preferences.

Retirement planning should have a long-term perspective. People often spend two or three decades in retirement, so it's important to ensure that your savings and investments can sustain your lifestyle for the duration. Inflation can significantly impact this sustainability.

Your investment strategies and asset allocation can be adjusted to account for inflation. For example, investing in assets like stocks, real estate, or Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) can help your wealth grow at a rate that outpaces inflation.

Inflation rates can change over time, and it's important to review and adjust your financial plan regularly to ensure it remains on track. This includes assessing your investment portfolio and your spending patterns.

If you are still uncertain about how to incorporate inflation into your retirement planning, advise seeking advice from a financial planner or advisor. These professionals can provide personalized guidance and create a retirement plan tailored to your specific goals and circumstances.

One needs to take a view on inflation for the purposes of modeling future wealth,. Inflation is a critical factor that can impact your financial security in retirement, and it's essential to consider it when planning for your future.