Why Your Salary Feels Smaller Despite Raises: Investor Explains the Hidden Cost of Inflation
Ever feel like your salary increases aren’t helping you get ahead? Mumbai-based investor and Stockifi founder Abhijit Chokshi says the real reason could be invisible inflation—not just rising prices, but the hidden ways your money loses value. In a viral thread on X (formerly Twitter) titled "Why your salary feels useless (even with a raise)", Chokshi argued that inflation is not always as straightforward as price increases. Using examples like Rs 10 Maggi noodles and Rs 1 crore one-bedroom flats, he noted, “You’re not earning less, you’re just being robbed silently.”
Chokshi distinguished between visible inflation, where prices of essentials like milk, fuel, and groceries increase, and invisible inflation, which quietly erodes your purchasing power. “It’s called shrinkflation—and it's designed to fool you. Companies know raising prices makes you angry. So they don’t. They quietly reduce quantity while keeping the price the same. You pay the same. But get less,” he wrote.
But the impact, Chokshi warned, goes far beyond snacks. Citing Mumbai real estate, he pointed out how property prices skyrocketed from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 2 crore within a decade, while salaries stagnated and rent doubled. “Invisible inflation is silent theft. You don't see it. You feel it in your daily life,” he added.
He also issued a caution about the future, predicting a wave of digital inflation by 2030, driven by hidden fees on digital payments and subscription-based models. “By 2030, you’ll own less, pay more, and wonder where your life went,” Chokshi warned.
As a way out, he urged people to stop relying solely on savings and instead invest in assets that traditionally hedge against inflation, like gold, land, and upskilling. “Think like the rich. They buy early, invest in the system, and ride the wave. Every shrink or surge is meant to exhaust you, mentally and financially,” he advised.
Also Read: Gold Rate Today (April 17): Check Out Gold Prices In Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, More Cities
Internet Reacts
Chokshi’s insights struck a chord with many users on social media, who praised his thread for shedding light on a financial reality that often goes unnoticed."I don't think there will be any solution to this skyrocketing prices and cost of living crisis in India. As a lower middle class indian, it looks like there's no point in living this kind of a pathetic life...," wrote one of the X users.
Another user added, "Great thread. Another silent killer, the weakness of INR. Unnoticed by those not involved in cross Border transactions. Higher import costs, restricted travel. While everyone observes just the USD, EUR and GBP rates are even scarier."
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