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> When you borrow money in a high inflationary environment, it's highly advantageous because you are using cheaper future money to pay back older expensive money. This is only true under the assumption that the *source* of the money that you are paying back the loan with appreciates. For example, consider taking out a loan that requires $1,000 monthly payments over 30 years. Assume that you pay back this loan with your labor (i.e., income from your job), and let's suppose you make $100K/yr. Most people can think of their jobs as an appreciating asset as long as they are receiving standard C.O.L. raises. However, suppose that 30 years later, you are still making the same exact $100K salary. Then, although you are "paying back your loan with cheaper dollars," the impact of making those loan payments is actually the same in terms of your buying power. Year 1: $1,000/month (inflation-adj. salary = $100,000; relative impact on buying power = 12K/100K = 12%)
Year 30: $1,000/month (inflation-adj. salary = $36,254; inflation adjusted payments is $4,950; relative impact on buying power = 4950/36250 = 12%) ^ this is assuming a 3% inflation rate. Note that almost everyone is getting C.O.L. raises, especially over 30-year time spans. However, this point is especially relevant for shorter term loans, and for people who may not experience wage increases. |
The effect of inflation is only relevant for home loans or for infrastructure projects like building bridges, buildings, factories, etc.