Trueflation is a decentralized, blockchain-based platform that tracks inflation in real time, using over 18 million data points from more than 60 data providers. Unlike the BLS CPI, which relies on a fixed basket of goods and services and is updated monthly with a 45-day lag, Trueflation pulls daily price data for a wide range of consumer goods and services. This allows it to reflect current market conditions more dynamically. Trueflation’s methodology is transparent, auditable, and market-driven, aiming to address perceived shortcomings in traditional inflation metrics, such as outdated frameworks and subjective adjustments.
For example, posts on X have highlighted Trueflation’s advantages, noting its use of 15 million data points compared to the BLS’s 80,000, and its real-time updates versus the BLS’s delayed reporting. Additionally, Trueflation avoids “black box” methodologies and centralized control, making it an appealing alternative for those seeking economic transparency.
The BLS CPI, while widely used, has faced criticism for its limitations. The CPI framework, last significantly updated in 1999, may not fully capture the realities of today’s economy, where e-commerce, electric vehicles, and other modern factors play significant roles. For instance, the CPI uses “hedonic adjustments” to account for quality improvements, which introduces subjectivity and can understate inflation’s impact. Additionally, the CPI excludes asset prices like real estate and stocks, potentially missing key drivers of wealth and cost-of-living changes.
Trueflation, by contrast, offers several advantages:
Real-Time Data: Trueflation updates daily, providing a near-instantaneous view of price changes, while BLS data lags by weeks. This timeliness can be crucial for anticipating market shifts.
Granular and Transparent: With millions of data points and an auditable blockchain framework, Trueflation reduces reliance on subjective adjustments and centralized control.
Correlation with CPI: Despite its differences, Trueflation’s inflation measurements have shown a high correlation (0.97 to 0.99) with headline CPI since the Federal Reserve began tightening monetary policy, suggesting it’s a credible alternative.
However, Trueflation is not without challenges. Its lack of seasonal adjustments and reliance on actual prices without imputation may lead to volatility in its readings. Additionally, as a newer metric, it lacks the long-term track record and institutional acceptance of the BLS CPI, which remains the Federal Reserve’s primary reference for monetary policy. While some X users argue Trueflation is “way more accurate than the market,” its reliability depends on the context and use case.
At Efficient Lending, we value transparency and accuracy, and Trueflation’s approach aligns with our commitment to honesty and understanding our clients’ needs. While the BLS CPI remains the standard, Trueflation’s real-time insights offer a compelling complement for those navigating fast-moving markets.
For borrowers and real estate agents, Trueflation’s real-time data can provide a competitive edge in identifying market opportunities, particularly in the housing market. Here’s how:
Anticipating Interest Rate Trends: Trueflation’s ability to signal inflation trends earlier than the BLS CPI can help borrowers anticipate Federal Reserve actions. For example, a post on X noted that Trueflation identified a disinflationary trend in December 2024, ahead of the BLS’s confirmation. If Trueflation indicates rising inflation, borrowers may want to lock in fixed-rate mortgages sooner to avoid higher interest rates. At Efficient Lending, we guide clients to secure favorable terms early, ensuring affordability in an inflationary environment.
Leveraging Fixed-Rate Mortgages: Inflation benefits borrowers with fixed-rate mortgages, as future payments are made with “cheaper” dollars. Trueflation’s real-time insights can help borrowers time their applications to capitalize on this dynamic before rates rise.
Wealth-Building Opportunities: Real estate is a proven hedge against inflation, as home values often rise faster than the CPI. Trueflation’s data can help borrowers identify periods of accelerating inflation, signaling a strong time to invest in property to build long-term wealth.
Market Timing: Trueflation’s daily updates allow agents to spot inflationary trends that could affect housing demand and pricing. For instance, if Trueflation signals rising inflation, agents can advise clients to act quickly before higher mortgage rates reduce affordability.
Rental Market Insights: During inflationary periods, rental prices tend to rise due to increased demand and limited supply. Trueflation’s granular data can help agents identify markets where rental demand is surging, enabling them to guide investor clients toward high-return opportunities.
Client Education: Agents can use Trueflation’s transparent data to educate clients about market conditions, building trust through clear, data-driven advice. This aligns with Efficient Lending’s value of explaining the nuances of mortgage and real estate decisions to empower clients.
As of July 2025, Trueflation reported a U.S. inflation rate of 1.82%, compared to the BLS CPI’s 2.7% for the 12 months ending June. This discrepancy suggests Trueflation may detect deflationary or disinflationary trends faster than the BLS, potentially giving borrowers and agents an early warning to adjust strategies. For example, a lower Trueflation rate could signal a window to secure lower mortgage rates before the market catches up.
At Efficient Lending, Inc., we believe in building lasting relationships based on trust, transparency, and education. Whether you’re a borrower looking to secure a mortgage that fits your unique needs or a real estate agent seeking to guide clients through a dynamic market, we’re here to help. By staying informed about tools like Trueflation, we can provide timely advice to help you capitalize on market opportunities and build generational wealth through real estate.
To learn more about how inflation trends affect your mortgage or real estate strategy, contact me, Mike Nelson, at Efficient Lending. Follow us on X (@mike_lending), Facebook, or LinkedIn for updates, or listen to my podcast, Mosaic: The Stories of Real Estate, where we explore strategies for building wealth and legacy. Ready to take the next step? Visit efficientlending.net or call us to discuss your mortgage needs today.
Sources:
Truflation.com
Bureau of Labor Statistics
GIS Reports Online
Arrived.com
Rocket Mortgage
Investopedia
Posts on X
Michael F Nelson, CEO - Efficient Lending, Inc
720 419 3016 or mike@efficientlending.net or @mike_lending
NMLS: 1876539 NMLS: 1314188
