Eh? This is totally backwards. The amount you owe is fixed, e.g. 300k. Inflation means that that 300k is worth less and less as time goes on. Therefore, inflation is a good thing for debtors!!!
No, it isn't backwards when you consider the perspective of the bank. They give you 300k now, if you only paid them back 300k in total they would be incredibly deep in the red. Interest is there to offset that fact and then some. Even if the bank ended up at net zero after inflation, they would still be deep in the red because of the opportunity cost. In other words, inflation means what you're paying back to the bank is worth less and less as the time goes on. Banks are not in the business of charity, so the debtors have to cover the gap, plus profit.
> In other words, inflation means what you're paying back to the bank is worth less and less as the time goes on.
Well yes, that's exactly my point. The $1 you pay back to the bank 25 years ago is worth MORE than the 1$ you paid yesterday. But you still only need to pay back a fixed $300k.
Obviously agree that interest paid is where the bank charges you for the loan, but your original point about inflation meaning your actually paying back the inflation adjusted value of the loan makes no sense.
Etheryte|7 months ago
Another_Act_|7 months ago
Well yes, that's exactly my point. The $1 you pay back to the bank 25 years ago is worth MORE than the 1$ you paid yesterday. But you still only need to pay back a fixed $300k.
Obviously agree that interest paid is where the bank charges you for the loan, but your original point about inflation meaning your actually paying back the inflation adjusted value of the loan makes no sense.