In 1970, £100 could buy about 250 Big Macs in the UK. Today, £100 only buys around 20.

This shows how much prices have gone up over time. Your money doesn’t go as far as it used to.

One reason is inflation. As more money is created and spent in the economy, prices tend to rise. Big events like wars can push this even further by increasing government spending.

Because of this, the value of money slowly falls over time. You can still use it, but it buys less than before. Inflation isn’t just an economic side effect, it acts like a Hidden Tax on your savings. One you never agreed to, never voted for, yet continue to pay.