Mark Cuban says inflation is already ‘fixed’ in America but 1 big problem in the country remains — here’s how it can hurt you in 2025 and how to protect yourself

Recently, Andrew Schulz, host of the Flagrant podcast, put the question to “Shark Tank” star Mark Cuban: “How do we fix inflation?”

Cuban’s response caught many off guard. “Inflation is fixed,” he stated.

Perplexed, Schulz pressed further, “What do you mean by it’s ‘fixed?’”

Cuban clarified that by “fixed,” he was referring to the significant decline in the annual inflation rate — measured by the year-over-year increase in the consumer price index (CPI) — from its recent peak.

Indeed, headline inflation has eased. In November 2024, the U.S. CPI reported a 12-month increase of 2.7%, a notable drop from the 40-year high of 9.1% recorded in June 2022. However, Cuban was quick to highlight an ongoing challenge. “The problem is the prices that are already up are already up,” he said.

Cuban’s point underscores a crucial reality: a slower rate of price increases doesn’t erase the elevated price levels people are still grappling with. And Americans notice this in particular when shopping for essentials. The CPI’s food index has surged 28% since the beginning of 2020, while the shelter index has climbed 26% over the same period.

From pain to ‘good’

According to Cuban, the solution to elevated price levels doesn’t lie in reducing those prices but in increasing consumers' earning power.

He illustrated his point with a simple example: “Are you giving those raises? If you were making $1,000 a week and your grocery bill went from $500 to $600, that’s pain. If you’re making $1,000 a week, and it goes to $1,200 and your grocery bill goes from $500 to $600 a month, you’re good.”

While higher earnings can help mitigate the sting of rising costs, inflation has another, long-term consequence: it erodes the value of money already made — your hard-earned savings. This silent loss has been going on for decades.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis’s inflation calculator, $100 in 2024 had the same purchasing power as just $54.76 in 2000.

And the story of spiking inflation might not be over in 2025. Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers recently warned that if Donald Trump implements his economic plans, “there will be an inflation shock significantly greater than the one the country suffered in 2021.”

Fortunately, history shows that savvy investors have often found ways to shield themselves from inflation's bite.

Real estate

When inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that adjusts for inflation.

This combination makes real estate an attractive option for preserving and growing wealth when the U.S. dollar is losing its value.

Over the last five years, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index has surged by more than 50%.

One way to invest in real estate is by purchasing rental properties and becoming a landlord. But for the average American who wants to avoid the need for a hefty down payment or the burden of property management, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived makes it easier to slice yourself up a piece of that pie.

With Arrived, you can invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100 without worrying about mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets, or handling difficult tenants. The process is simple: browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase, and then sit back as you start receiving rental income deposits from your investment.

Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which targets necessity-based commercial real estate.

The platform lets accredited investors own a share of institutional-quality properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, CVS, Kroger and Walmart. Investors can enjoy the potential to collect stable, grocery store-anchored income every quarter.

Gold

When it comes to preserving wealth and fighting inflation, few assets have stood the test of time like gold.

The appeal of gold is straightforward: the yellow metal can’t be printed in unlimited quantities by central banks like fiat money. And because its value isn’t tied to any one currency or economy, gold could provide protection during periods of economic uncertainty.