What was $100 worth the year you were born? Use official CPI data to calculate purchasing power changes over the last century.
Cumulative Inflation: 140.3%
Inflation represents the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising. As inflation rises, every dollar you own buys a smaller percentage of a good or service.
This calculator uses the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It is the most widely used measure of inflation in the United States.
SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) allows investing a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. It averages purchase cost through rupee-cost averaging and benefits from compounding over long periods.
Historically, equity mutual funds have delivered 12-15% CAGR over 10+ years. However, returns vary by fund type, market conditions, and investment horizon. Past performance doesn't guarantee future returns.
SIP is better for regular income earners and reduces market timing risk. Lump sum works when you have surplus funds and markets are undervalued. Combining both strategies often yields optimal results.
PPF offers tax-free returns (7.1% currently), 15-year lock-in, and EEE tax status. FD offers flexible tenure, immediate liquidity, but taxable interest (6-7.5%). PPF suits long-term tax-free savings; FD suits short-term liquidity needs.