One of the most common concerns I hear from clients at Manna Wealth Management is:

“David, how do I protect my retirement savings from inflation?”

It’s a great question, and one worth asking right now. Inflation is like a slow leak in your retirement bucket. Even if your nest egg looks strong today, the rising cost of groceries, gas, housing, and healthcare can chip away at your purchasing power over time.

The truth is, retirement isn’t just about building savings. It’s about making sure your money lasts, even when the cost of living goes up. Let’s walk through how inflation affects retirement — and what you can do about it.

Why Inflation Matters in Retirement

Here’s the simple way I explain it to clients:

If you need $5,000 a month to live on today, and inflation averages 3% per year, in just 20 years you’ll need about $9,000 a month to buy the same things.

That’s why keeping all your money “safe” in cash may actually be risky. Your dollars lose value over time if they’re not keeping up with inflation.

Example: Two Retirees

• Retiree A keeps their entire $1,000,000 in a savings account earning 1%. After 20 years, inflation has cut their spending power in half. Their million feels more like $500,000.
• Retiree B invests a portion of their savings in assets that historically grow faster than inflation, like stocks and real estate. They experience ups and downs, yes, but after 20 years, their portfolio is still growing in real terms.

The difference between the two isn’t about luck — it’s about planning.

Ways to Protect Your Retirement Savings From Inflation

1. Stay Invested in Growth Assets

I know it feels safer to move everything into bonds or cash once you retire, but here’s the catch: those may not keep up with inflation. Having at least part of your portfolio in stocks allows your money to grow over time.

Think of it like this: stocks are your “engine,” bonds and cash are your “brakes.” You need both, but if you only ride the brakes, you won’t get very far.

2. Consider Inflation-Protected Securities

Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) are government bonds that adjust with inflation. They won’t make you rich, but they can provide a stable foundation to balance out riskier assets.

3. Diversify Beyond Stocks and Bonds

Some retirees add real estate, commodities, or even certain annuities to their portfolio. These can act as a hedge when inflation spikes.

For example, real estate often rises in value along with inflation, and rental income can increase over time.

4. Have Flexible Spending

This one doesn’t get talked about enough. If inflation is high, sometimes the best protection is simply adjusting your withdrawals for a year or two. Spending a little less during tough times keeps your long-term plan intact.

5. Delay Social Security (If You Can)

Delaying Social Security can be one of the best inflation hedges. Why? Because your benefit grows every year you wait (up to age 70). And once you start receiving it, those payments include cost-of-living adjustments.

A Real-Life Conversation

Not long ago, I worked with a couple who had saved about $900,000. Their biggest worry was that inflation would eat away at their retirement.

We built a plan that included:

• A mix of stocks and bonds for growth and stability.
• A small allocation to real estate investment trusts (REITs).
• Delaying Social Security until age 68 for larger, inflation-adjusted payments.

Now, even if inflation runs hotter than average, they have multiple ways their income can adjust. That gave them peace of mind.

The Big Picture

Protecting your retirement savings from inflation isn’t about making one perfect move. It’s about layering strategies: growth, diversification, guaranteed income, and flexibility.

The families I work with at Manna Wealth Management don’t just want to survive retirement — they want to enjoy it. That means building a plan that works in both calm and stormy times.

Final Thoughts

If you’re asking yourself, “How do I protect my retirement savings from inflation?” you’re already ahead of the curve. The key is not to wait until it’s too late.

Every family’s situation is unique, which is why I take time to sit down and walk clients through different scenarios. What works for one retiree may not be right for another.

If you’d like to explore your options, you can contact me here. And if you want to know more about who I am and how I approach retirement planning, here’s my story: David Kassir.

At the end of the day, inflation is real, but it doesn’t have to derail your retirement dreams. With the right plan in place, you can protect your savings — and your peace of mind.