Over the last 10+ years we have been enjoying a very fluid and robust lending market, fueled by historically low interest rates and high valuations. The latest economic reports are startling as the annual inflation rate in the US accelerated to 7.9% in February of 2022, the highest since January of 1982. Everyone has felt the increase in the everyday costs of housing, gas, and food, just to name a few. Inflation is the scrouge of all savers, diminishing the value of nest eggs and retirement accounts. Among other things, inflation is the result of a “cheap money” policy and the economic stimulus that was implemented during the pandemic. Whatever the cause of inflation, the results can be devastating for most Americans, as it is difficult to find a way to protect oneself against inflation.
III-2022: Do Rising Interest Rates Really Matter?
