Use the Rule of 72. Divide an estimated rate of inflation into the number 72, and it will tell you how long it will take for prices to double. For example, if the average annual inflation rate is 3%, prices will double in 24 years. If inflation averages 4%, prices will double in 18 years. One of the best ways to hedge inflation is to have some growth-oriented investments, such as stock and stock mutual funds, in your portfolio throughout retirement.
Another way to determine how inflation will impact living costs is to use inflation calculators available on the Internet including this one from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
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