What is the most common risk associated with not keeping up with inflation?

The most common risk associated with not keeping up with inflation is purchasing power risk. This risk refers to the potential decrease in the value of money over time due to rising prices, which can erode an individual's or a portfolio's ability to purchase goods and services. When inflation increases, the same amount of money buys fewer items than before, leading to a reduction in real income and savings if they do not grow at the same or a higher rate than inflation.

It is essential for investors and individuals to consider how inflation affects their financial planning and investment returns. If the investments do not yield returns that outpace inflation, the purchasing power of the invested capital diminishes over time, highlighting the significance of understanding this risk in financial decision-making.