FT FinToolSuite

How-to

How to Use Why Am I Getting Poorer Tool Step-by-Step

This how to use Why Am I Getting Poorer tool guide walks through every step so you can run the calculator without guessing. It keeps units consistent, shows you where results come from, and points to exports and pitfalls.

Published: January 7, 2026 · Updated: January 7, 2026 · By FinToolSuite Editorial

Open the Why Am I Getting Poorer tool

Run the calculator, see the results, and save your first scenario.

Start now
Guide | Personal inflation definition | Scenario comparison | Privacy Policy

Disclaimer

  • Educational only. Not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.
  • Results depend on your inputs and assumptions. No guarantees.
  • Keep personal data light; see the Privacy Policy.

Step-by-step: how to use Why Am I Getting Poorer tool

  1. Enter last year income and this year income: keep both annual or both monthly so the change is apples to apples.
  2. Choose your country: CPI defaults load to give a starting point; you can edit category inflation later.
  3. Add category spending: list your main categories so the tool can calculate weights for your personal inflation index.
  4. Adjust category inflation assumptions: keep edits realistic; see how to interpret personal inflation.
  5. Run the calculation: the tool combines your spend mix and inflations to produce your personal inflation rate.
  6. Read outputs: view personal inflation, real income movement, gap estimate, and category cards or charts.
  7. Save the scenario: give it a clear name (e.g., “Base Jan 2026”) before testing changes.
  8. Compare scenarios: change one input at a time, then review the comparison view to see direction.
  9. Download the PDF export: capture a snapshot of your inputs and outputs; see export help.

Common pitfalls

  • Mixing monthly income with annual spending totals.
  • Leaving category inflation unchanged when your reality differs.
  • Changing multiple inputs per scenario, which muddies comparisons.
  • Using overly precise numbers and assuming certainty; keep it directional.
  • Skipping the common mistakes checklist.

FAQs

Why do I need both last year and this year income? ▼

The tool compares the change. If both numbers use the same cadence, you see a clean personal inflation vs income check.

Should I keep CPI defaults or override them? ▼

Defaults are a starting point. Adjust category inflations to match what you actually feel in your basket.

How do category weights affect my personal inflation index? ▼

Bigger spending categories carry more weight. If a high-weight category runs hot, your personal inflation moves more.

What does the gap estimate mean for my budget? ▼

It compares inflation-adjusted income to inflated spending to show direction—whether your purchasing power is tightening or easing.

How do I read the PDF export snapshot? ▼

It shows your inputs, assumptions, outputs, and charts at that moment. Label it with a date and scenario name so you remember what you tested.

Where are my inputs stored? ▼

Calculators run in your browser; see the Privacy Policy for handling details.

Run your first scenario

Enter your numbers, save a baseline, and see how your real income shifts.

Go to the tool

Need a refresher? Read the full guide or revisit the personal inflation interpretation notes.