Inflation and Hurdle Rates: How to Prote...

In this episode of the Learn to Swing Trade the Stock Market podcast, host Brian Montes breaks down the powerful connection between inflation, hurdle rates, and the purchasing power of the dollar.

Most people measure success by how much their portfolio or savings account grows — but few stop to ask: Is my money actually keeping up with inflation?

Brian explains why understanding your personal hurdle rate — the minimum rate of return you need to maintain or grow real wealth — is the foundation of sound investing and business decision-making.

You’ll learn how to calculate your hurdle rate, how inflation quietly erodes real returns, and how to position your money to stay ahead of the weakening dollar.

Whether you’re a retail investor, entrepreneur, or financial professional, this episode gives you the mindset and math to make smarter, inflation-aware decisions.

Key Topics Covered

• What inflation really means for your purchasing power

• The hidden “inflation tax” on your savings and investments

• How to calculate your personal hurdle rate

• Why nominal returns can be deceiving — and real returns are what matter

• The historical decline of the U.S. dollar’s value

• How to use hurdle rates to evaluate stocks, bonds, or business opportunities