Why am I getting poorer FAQ
Why Am I Getting Poorer FAQ
Why am I getting poorer FAQ covers inputs, CPI presets, categories and weights, scenarios, exports, privacy, limitations, and how to interpret personal inflation and the gap estimate. Answers are short and safe.
Published: January 7, 2026 · Updated: January 7, 2026 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Open the Why Am I Getting Poorer tool
Enter your numbers, save scenarios, and use this FAQ as you go.
Disclaimer and privacy
- Educational only. Not financial, tax, or legal advice. No guarantees.
- Keep personal data light. See the Privacy Policy.
FAQs
What is the tool for? ▼
It compares your income change to your personal inflation to show purchasing power direction and a gap estimate.
What inputs do I need? ▼
Income for last and this year (same cadence), country preset, category spend, and category inflation assumptions.
Is CPI automatically used? ▼
A country CPI preset loads for context, but your personal inflation depends on the category inflations you enter.
Do I need exact numbers? ▼
No. Round numbers are fine. Keep cadence consistent and focus on direction, not precision.
How do I read personal inflation vs CPI? ▼
Personal inflation uses your basket and can differ from CPI. Compare it to your income change to see direction.
What is the gap estimate? ▼
Adjusted income minus inflated spending for your listed categories. Directional only, not a guarantee.
How do scenarios work? ▼
Save a baseline, change one input, save again, then compare personal inflation, real income change, and the gap estimate.
Can I export results? ▼
Yes. Export a PDF snapshot after you finish a run. Re-export after changes and label the scenario and date.
Is my data stored? ▼
Calculators run in your browser. See the Privacy Policy for handling details.
Are taxes or benefits included? ▼
No. The tool focuses on your category spend and inflation. See limitations for exclusions.
Why do results differ from my lived costs? ▼
Inputs are simplified, and your real prices or timing may differ. Use scenarios and conservative assumptions.
What should I keep constant across scenarios? ▼
Cadence, currency, category list, and all assumptions except the one you are testing.
Should I enter every tiny category? ▼
Cover major spends. Too many tiny categories add noise; too few hide weights. Round numbers are fine.
How often should I rerun? ▼
Whenever your income, spending mix, or assumptions change, or after a shock to a big category.
Is this advice? ▼
No. It is educational and depends on your inputs and assumptions. No guarantees.