Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Your investment statement might show a great return… but how much of that did you actually keep? Dustin Tibbitts of Jazz Wealth breaks down the difference between nominal returns and real returns, and why inflation is the silent factor reshaping your financial plan whether you're saving or already withdrawing.
📊 What we cover in this video:
What nominal vs. real returns actually means and why it matters for every investor
How $10,000 invested in the S&P in 1990 grew to $244,000 on paper — but only $143,000 in real purchasing power
Why the 2020s average of 14% annualized S&P returns is actually closer to 8.8% after inflation
What a million dollars from 1974, 2004, or 2024 actually buys you today
Real returns by asset class going back to 1926 — from cash and T-bills all the way to small cap stocks
Why this matters even more during the withdrawal phase of retirement than during accumulation
This is not meant to scare you. It is meant to make sure you and your advisor are working with the right numbers
Schedule a call with us today at jazzwealth.com/chatwithjazz
This material is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
The discussion of nominal versus real returns, including references to inflation rates, money market instruments, bonds, U.S. Treasury securities, and the S&P 500, is intended to illustrate general investment concepts and may rely on simplified or hypothetical examples.
Any references to “risk-free” investments are used in a general or theoretical context; in practice, all investments, including money market funds, bond funds, and U.S. Treasury securities, are subject to risks such as interest rate risk, inflation risk, credit risk, and, in some cases, loss of principal, and should not be considered entirely risk-free. The examples used (e.g., a $10,000 investment growing over time or comparisons between stated returns and inflation-adjusted returns) are for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect the performance of any specific account or investment. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index that cannot be invested in directly and does not reflect the impact of fees, expenses, or taxes. Any references to inflation or “real return” calculations are approximations designed to demonstrate how purchasing power may be affected over time and may not reflect actual investor experience or future economic conditions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and all investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Actual results will vary based on market conditions, timing, and individual investment strategies. Investors should consider their financial objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon and consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions. Additional disclosures and information are available upon request.
Investment advisory services are offered through Steward Partners Investment Advisory, LLC (“SPIA”), an SEC-registered investment adviser. SPIA and Steward Partners Global Advisory, LLC are affiliates and collectively referred to as Steward Partners.
Your investment statement might show a great return… but how much of that did you actually keep? Dustin Tibbitts of Jazz Wealth breaks down the difference between nominal returns and real returns, and why inflation is the silent factor reshaping your financial plan whether you're saving or already withdrawing.
📊 What we cover in this video:
What nominal vs. real returns actually means and why it matters for every investor
How $10,000 invested in the S&P in 1990 grew to $244,000 on paper — but only $143,000 in real purchasing power
Why the 2020s average of 14% annualized S&P returns is actually closer to 8.8% after inflation
What a million dollars from 1974, 2004, or 2024 actually buys you today
Real returns by asset class going back to 1926 — from cash and T-bills all the way to small cap stocks
Why this matters even more during the withdrawal phase of retirement than during accumulation
This is not meant to scare you. It is meant to make sure you and your advisor are working with the right numbers
Schedule a call with us today at jazzwealth.com/chatwithjazz
This material is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
The discussion of nominal versus real returns, including references to inflation rates, money market instruments, bonds, U.S. Treasury securities, and the S&P 500, is intended to illustrate general investment concepts and may rely on simplified or hypothetical examples.
Any references to “risk-free” investments are used in a general or theoretical context; in practice, all investments, including money market funds, bond funds, and U.S. Treasury securities, are subject to risks such as interest rate risk, inflation risk, credit risk, and, in some cases, loss of principal, and should not be considered entirely risk-free. The examples used (e.g., a $10,000 investment growing over time or comparisons between stated returns and inflation-adjusted returns) are for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect the performance of any specific account or investment. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index that cannot be invested in directly and does not reflect the impact of fees, expenses, or taxes. Any references to inflation or “real return” calculations are approximations designed to demonstrate how purchasing power may be affected over time and may not reflect actual investor experience or future economic conditions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and all investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Actual results will vary based on market conditions, timing, and individual investment strategies. Investors should consider their financial objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon and consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions. Additional disclosures and information are available upon request.
Investment advisory services are offered through Steward Partners Investment Advisory, LLC (“SPIA”), an SEC-registered investment adviser. SPIA and Steward Partners Global Advisory, LLC are affiliates and collectively referred to as Steward Partners.
