A look back in history provides some perspective on inflation risk and investing.
| 1988 | 2008 | |
| Average cost of a new house: | $91,600 | $223,800 |
| Average price for a new care: | $10,400 | $28,000 |
| Average price for a gallon of gas: | $0.91 | $2.90 |
| Average price of a movie ticket: | $3.50 | $8.00 |
| Cost of a U.S. postage stamp: | $0.24 | $0.41 |
| Average cost of a dozen eggs: | $0.65 | $1.50 |
Sources: Kmotion Research, Bureau of Labor statistics, National Association of Realtors. Future prices are projections only and assume a 3% inflation rate in 20 years.
| 20 YEARS FROM NOW? | |
| Average cost of a new house: | $404,208 |
| Average price for a new care: | $50,571 |
| Average price for a gallon of gas: | $5.24 |
| Average price of a movie ticket: | $14.45 |
| Cost of a U.S. postage stamp: | $0.74 |
| Average cost of a dozen eggs: | $2.71 |
