What a Drag!

Time certainly takes a toll -- both on our physiques and our savings. Like gravity to our hindquarters, such is inflation to our lifetime savings. Both have an undeniable drag on the bottom line. Or, to be blunt: As prices rise, income doesn't purchase as much.

So how do you figure out how big of a drag inflation will be in retirement? Don't leave it to chance: Incorporate inflation into your calculations.

Depending on whom you ask, what measure you use, and what timeframe you consider, inflation over the past century or so has been 3% to 5% annually. Even though inflation has been pretty tame for several years, you probably remember the double-digit inflation of the '70s and '80s. Plus, the rise in medical costs -- a huge concern for retirees -- has far outpaced the overall rate of inflation. So it's probably wise to use at least a 4% inflation assumption as you do your retirement calculations.

As you do the math (tinker with this calculator), don't let your savings resolve droop. Steeling your savings for the inflation hit is isn't complicated. The longer you'll be retired, the more you'll have to invest in securities that outpace inflation -- in other words, stocks. You also have another option: government securities that are guaranteed to keep pace with inflation, namely TIPS and I Bonds. These are great investments because, besides the protection against inflation, TIPS and I Bonds are backed by the U.S. government, are exempt from state and local taxes, and can be bought commission-free from Treasury Direct. (Here's more reading on inflation-protected investments.)

Dividend-paying investments, like the ones recommended by Matthew Emmert in our new Motley Fool Income Investor newsletter (sign up for a free trial) can help defy the effects of gravity and fortify your retirement portfolio.

Now, saving for the gravity-defying buttocks lift is another matter.