Weathering the inflation storm

However, this crown has been slipping off lately. The culprit? Rampant inflation, rapidly eroding the purchasing power of cash. Even the most competitive rates on the high street typically lag behind inflation. This raises a question - is it wise to lock into a rate that incurs losses in real terms merely to avoid the short-term volatility of financial markets?

The value of cash diminishes
The circumstances for each saver are unique. But the argument for holding cash over investments, especially over the longer term, simply because savings rates are on the rise, is flawed. In the face of still high inflation, the value of cash diminishes, while investments can potentially offer higher returns. Therefore, evaluating whether holding on to cash is the best strategy is essential, especially in the long run.

With inflation showing only muted signs of letting up, the real worth of your wealth held in cash may continue to be chipped away. The dilemma then lies in figuring out what proportion of cash should remain in the bank, exposed to inflation, and what portion should be invested.

Income security and living costs
Deciding the amount of cash to retain in the bank and the amount to invest with the aim of outpacing inflation is a complex and highly individual decision. What works for one person might be entirely unsuitable for another, hence the importance of receiving professional advice.

If you depend on employment income to cover living expenses, it may be prudent to maintain a larger cash buffer in case of job loss. Conversely, those with a guaranteed income, such as a final salary pension, might benefit from investing more and banking less. Your living costs also play a role. Those with higher expenses might prefer to have more saved on deposit for emergencies, especially given the rising cost of living.

Life stage and short-term expenditure
Your life stage may also influence your decision. For example, individuals with dependents and a mortgage might prefer to have more banked on deposit for unexpected events than those with fewer responsibilities. Any planned capital expenditure in the next three years (like property purchases or gifts to adult children) should be reserved in cash.

Comfort levels with risk
Regardless of wealth level, some people may find comfort in having a sum of cash in the bank. But it’s worth considering keeping excess money in the bank, thus subjecting it to inflation, can be a higher-risk strategy than investing in a diversified portfolio. This is because when inflation outstrips interest rates, the value of cash diminishes, while the value of an investment portfolio has the potential to increase over time.