Defending your financial plan against inflation requires a combination of proactive strategies and informed decision-making. Inflation erodes the purchasing power of your money over time, so it’s important to adjust your financial plan to mitigate its effects. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Diversify Investments: A well-diversified investment portfolio can help counter the impact of inflation. Consider investing in a mix of assets like stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities.
2. Invest in Real Assets: Real assets such as real estate, precious metals, and commodities like oil and agricultural products can provide a hedge against inflation. These assets tend to rise in value along with inflation, helping you maintain your purchasing power.
3. TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities): TIPS are government bonds designed to protect against inflation. They adjust their principal value based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This ensures that the interest payments and principal value increase with inflation.
4. Stocks of Inflation-Resistant Companies: Some companies, like those in essential industries (utilities, healthcare, consumer staples), tend to be less affected by inflation. Investing in such companies can help protect your investments.
5. Review and Adjust Regularly: Regularly review your financial plan, in conjunction with a financial planner, and adjust it to account for changing economic conditions. Be prepared to make changes to your investment strategy, spending habits, and savings goals as needed.
6. Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund that covers several months’ worth of living expenses. This can help you avoid tapping into investments during inflationary periods, allowing your investments more time to grow.
7. Focus on Education: Staying informed about economic trends, monetary policies, and global events can help you anticipate inflationary periods and make more informed financial decisions. This can also be an ideal time to engagement a financial advisor to manage much of what has been mentioned above for your financial plan—more below.
8. Consider Professional Advice: Financial advisors can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation and goals. They can help design a plan that’s tailored to defend against inflation.

Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your strategy should be based on your risk tolerance, financial goals, and market conditions. Regularly reassess your plan and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that you’re effectively defending against the impact of inflation. If you are looking for a financial advisor nearby that helps manage financial plans during inflationary times, look no further than Foundation Wealth and Tax Advisors.