See how the value of the dollar has changed over time.
*Calculated using historical average inflation rate (~3.28%). Actual CPI data may vary.
Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising. Basically, it means your money buys less today than it did yesterday.
If you keep $10,000 in a sock drawer for 10 years, it will still contain $10,000, but it might only buy what $7,000 buys today. This is why investing is crucial—to beat inflation.