Tom Nun, Empower portfolio strategist, covers a few strategies that can help protect against inflation.

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Inflation is an economic phenomenon that leads to a decrease in the purchasing power of a currency. When inflation rates rise, the value of money decreases, and it becomes more expensive to buy goods and services. This can have a significant impact on individuals, families, and businesses. However, there are several strategies that can be adopted to protect against inflation and minimize its effects. Here are some useful tips to safeguard your finances:

1. Diversify Investments: One effective way to protect against inflation is by diversifying your investments. Instead of solely relying on a single asset class, consider diversifying your portfolio with a mix of stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities. This allows you to spread your risk, as different investments tend to perform differently during inflationary periods.

2. Invest in Real Assets: Investing in tangible assets like real estate or commodities can provide a hedge against inflation. Real estate has historically proven to appreciate in value over time, typically outpacing inflation rates. Similarly, commodities such as gold, silver, or even oil can serve as a store of value and protect against inflationary pressures.

3. TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities): Another option for protecting against inflation is investing in inflation-indexed bonds, also known as TIPS. These bonds are backed by the government and adjust their principal value based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). By investing in TIPS, you can ensure that your investment keeps pace with inflation.

4. Increase Savings and Emergency Funds: Maintaining a robust savings account and emergency fund is crucial during periods of inflation. By putting money aside, you can counter any price increases on essential items or manage unforeseen expenses. Ensuring that your emergency fund aligns with the rising costs of goods and services will provide you with a safety net against the effects of inflation.

5. Consider Floating-Rate Investments: Floating-rate investments, such as floating-rate bonds or loans, are tied to a benchmark interest rate that adjusts periodically. These investments protect against inflation since they account for changes in interest rates. As interest rates rise, the income from floating-rate investments increases accordingly, mitigating the impact of inflation on your investments.

6. Invest in Equities: Historically, stocks have been a reliable hedge against inflation. Companies can often pass along increased costs to customers through higher prices for their products or services. As a result, stocks have the potential to outpace inflation, protecting the real value of your investments. However, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice when investing in stocks.

7. Manage Debt: During inflationary periods, the cost of borrowing can increase. Therefore, it is wise to manage your debt prudently, especially high-interest debts. By reducing your debt burden, you can limit the impact of rising interest rates on your financial health.

8. Keep up with Market Trends: Being informed about market trends and economic indicators is critical for protecting against inflation. Stay updated with economic news, government policies, and central bank announcements to anticipate potential changes in inflation rates. Being proactive will allow you to adjust your financial strategies accordingly.

In conclusion, protecting against inflation requires careful financial planning and consideration of various investment options. Diversifying your investments, investing in real assets and inflation-indexed bonds, increasing savings, managing debt, and staying informed are all important steps in safeguarding your finances. By adopting these strategies, you can mitigate the effects of inflation and maintain your purchasing power in the face of economic fluctuations.