Remember when gas was only $0.63 a gallon? Depending on how old you are, you might not. That was way back in 1978. Prices going up is something we call inflation. It means things cost more, and that can make it harder to save money. People who get a fixed amount of money, like retirees, feel this a lot. But don't worry, there are ways to protect your savings from inflation. Here's how:

• Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS): These are special government bonds that keep up with inflation. If prices go up, so does the value of these bonds. You'll get back more money than you started with if inflation rises. They pay you interest twice a year, too.

• Gold and Other Metals: Over time, gold usually gets more expensive when everything else does. So, some people invest in funds that own gold, silver, or even platinum and palladium. When the dollar's value goes down, gold's price often goes up.

• Commodity Funds: Think about the stuff in your cereal box. If the price for corn and wheat goes up, so does your breakfast cost. Some investment funds buy these kinds of goods. When their prices rise, the fund can make money, which helps your investment grow.

• Stocks and Funds in Certain Industries: Some businesses do better when prices are rising, like companies that make materials or goods. Investing in these can help your money grow during inflation times.

• Real Estate Investments: Property values and rent usually go up when prices do. There are investments called REITs that let you make money from real estate without having to buy a building yourself. They've done a good job beating inflation over the years.

Inflation can be tricky, but by thinking ahead and choosing the right ways to invest, you can protect your money. Just remember, all investments come with some risk. It's important to pick what fits best with your goals and how much risk you're okay with.

If you're worried about inflation and want to talk about what to do, I'm here to help. We can make a plan that fits just right for you.