Inflation, while not the worst economic disaster in the world, can still be one of the most trying experiences you’ll ever face as an investor. When inflation occurs, it can have negative effects on your investments and your budget alike, as it essentially causes the value of money to decline over time. To protect yourself from such financial catastrophes, consider making these 10 investments to keep your wallet full during inflation and ensure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck over the long haul.

1) Stocks

A good investment is something that will produce a return on your money. In general, stocks are a great investment because they have the potential to provide you with a high return for the risk that you take on as an investor. One of the best ways to invest in stocks is by purchasing shares in companies that pay dividends.

2) Index Funds

Index funds are a type of mutual fund that tracks the performance of a stock or bond market index. They’re low cost, passively managed and provide diversification. They’re also tax efficient because capital gains aren’t recognized until the shares are sold. Investors can buy and sell on margin without paying commissions.

3) Gold

Investing in gold is a great option for protecting your wealth against inflation and economic instability. Gold prices typically do not fluctuate like stocks and bonds, so you can be confident that the value of your investment will remain steady. Plus, with gold, there is no risk of being stuck with a losing stock or bond.

4) Real Estate

Buy a residential rental property for $300,000 and rent it out for $2,000 a month. For the sake of this example, let’s say that monthly mortgage payments are $1,500. That leaves you with an annual income of $24,000 and tax-free cash flow (that is money left over after paying taxes) of around $8,400. You can either live in one of your properties or use them as investments to help cover your living expenses.
When considering real estate as an investment during inflation, be sure to look at how much you’ll need to pay in repairs each year on the property before deciding on a purchase price.

5) Commodities

-Buy gold. Gold is a relatively safe investment and its price has risen during periods of inflation in the past. Investing in gold means buying gold bars or coins, as well as other items that are made with gold, such as jewelry. -Invest in real estate. If you can afford it, buy property where you live or plan on living so that you can rent it out and earn income from it when the value of your home increases.

6) Bonds

Bonds are a form of lending. By purchasing a bond, you’re lending money to an entity in exchange for an agreed-upon interest rate. The term bond refers to the fact that the issuer borrows money from investors like you and repays it with interest after a set period of time. Bonds can be issued by governments, corporations or municipalities. They can also be issued by other entities such as universities, hospitals or non-profit organizations.

7) Digital Assets (cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin, etc.)

Digital Assets are a safe bet for investors looking for steady growth during inflationary periods. Cryptocurrencies are especially good investments since the value of Bitcoin is not tied to any currency and it can’t be manipulated by governments like fiat currencies can. Investors should keep in mind that cryptocurrencies don’t have physical backing like gold or silver, so they should only invest what they’re willing to lose.

8) Retirement Plans

There are many options for retirement plans, but the most common types are 401(k)s, IRAs and pensions. A 401(k) is a retirement plan that allows you to save up money through the course of your career and have it invested in stocks, bonds or other assets. It’s important that this account remains active if you want your money to grow. An IRA is a special savings account where you can put away money before taxes are taken out.

9) Cash Savings Account/Money Market Account

Cash savings accounts and money market accounts are the best way to keep your money safe during inflationary times. The rates of interest on these accounts are generally lower than other investments, but they’re a lot safer than stocks or bonds.

10) Foreign Currency Exchange

Investing in a foreign currency is a way of diversifying your portfolio, so that if the value of the dollar decreases, you’ll still have access to some funds. Investing in a foreign currency can be risky and requires financial education, but if you’re interested in taking on that risk, there are ways to mitigate it.