04/27/2026
If you live in the greater Seattle area, you are likely experiencing a higher inflation rate than the national average, even before accounting for the full effect of the conflict in Iran.
Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that prices in the Seattle area rose 3.9 percent over the 12 months ending in February. By comparison, the national all items inflation rate over the same period was 2.4 percent.
At the time of writing, the yield on one commonly used money market mutual fund is 3.58 percent. For households experiencing inflation closer to the national average, excess cash held in a money market fund has generally been keeping pace with rising prices. For those living in the greater Seattle area, that may not be the case.
So, what does this mean?
First, if excess cash is sitting in a checking or savings account earning a low rate of interest, it is likely losing purchasing power over time. Reviewing available cash equivalent options with a financial professional may help improve efficiency while preserving appropriate liquidity.
Second, it may be worth thoughtfully evaluating whether a portion of excess cash should be repositioned based on time horizon and purpose. Cash needed in the near term plays an important role. Cash held well beyond near term needs may warrant a different approach, particularly in higher inflation environments.
Inflation is local. Planning should be too.
Reach out to learn more: https://bit.ly/4mRbMM2
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Seattle area CPI
https://bit.ly/4tIartU
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National CPI
https://bit.ly/41UZyZp