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Macroeconomics6 min

Inflation: Why Fixed Rates Protect Your Wealth

Why leasing and financing act as a price brake in times of high inflation and create planning security.

"Save for a rainy day." A nice saying. But in times of high inflation, cash sitting idly in your bank account loses value every single day. Smart people use inflation to their advantage – not by speculating, but by creating price security.

Inflation is a nightmare for most people. Everything gets more expensive: groceries, craftsmen, new car prices. But you can hedge against these price hikes: With a leasing contract (or financing) with a fixed rate.

The Magic of the Fixed Rate

Inflation means prices rise. Workshops raise their hourly rates, spare parts become costlier, and manufacturer list prices climb (often 3-5% per year).

When you lease a car, you freeze today's price for the next 3 or 4 years.

The Scenario

  1. You sign a lease today for €300. This is the price for your mobility.
  2. Inflation rises. Workshop costs rise. The successor to your model might cost €35,000 instead of €30,000 in 3 years.
  3. Your salary is (hopefully) adjusted for inflation over time.
  4. But your rate remains €300. Relative to your income and general prices, the car becomes cheaper every month.
"While everything around you gets more expensive, your biggest monthly mobility expense remains constant. That is real relief."

Planning Security instead of Cost Risk

When buying an older used car, you are fully exposed to the inflation risk of workshop prices. If hourly rates rise, every repair becomes more expensive. With leasing (especially with a maintenance package), these costs are capped. You have the certainty of what the car costs you, regardless of what the global economy does.

This is why many companies lease: They don't want incalculable risks on their books, but fixed, budgetable monthly costs.

Lock in Today's Price!

Calculate if leasing pays off for you as an inflation hedge.

Conclusion

Inflation is an argument for long-term contracts with fixed conditions. Instead of sinking your cash reserves (which you might need for high-yield investments) into a car, you use leasing as a "price brake". You secure mobility at today's conditions, while everything else gets more expensive.

About the Author

Hi, I'm Michael. I built Carculated because I was looking for an independent calculator that honestly compares total costs incl. opportunity costs – and couldn't find one. So I had to build it myself in Excel. Now this tool is available for you too.

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