Why Inflation Hits Older Workers Hardest

Lucas and Luna examine a little-discussed inflation asymmetry: wage growth for younger workers has outpaced inflation, while workers over 55 have seen real wages decline. Using April 2026 CPI data showing core inflation at 3.35% year-over-year and Fed funds at 3.64%, they explore why older workers face a 'wage stickiness penalty' — their income is more tied to cost-of-living adjustments that lag, and they are less likely to job-hop for raises. The hosts unpack data from the Atlanta Fed Wage Tracker and a new Harvard study showing that older workers who do switch jobs see wage gains similar to younger peers, but most stay put. They discuss implications for retirement planning: portfolio withdrawal rates may need recalibration when real income is shrinking. The episode closes with a donation appeal tied to the value of informed financial decisions. #Inflation #WageGrowth #OlderWorkers #RetirementPlanning #CPI #FederalReserve #CostOfLiving #JobSwitching #RealWages #AtlantaFed #HarvardStudy #PurchasingPower #PersonalFinance #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationAndYourMoney #Fexingo Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo