The stocks I own are in companies that sell stuff. So they won't decrease in value even though they're valued in dollars?
So, if it takes 40 dollars to FILL my gas tank each week and next year it takes $40.40 each week then I've lost 40 cents on the value of my transportation asset
You bet. The oil company shares I own should keep their value because they can sell the oil for more, right?
the dollars will decrease in purchasing power. If a dollar gets you 100X of gas (or any other consumable) this year and the dollar next year gets you 99X of gas (or any other consumable) no matter how many dollars you have they are worth less. You are confusing PERSONAL purchasing power with the Dollar's purchasing power. (Ergo if you have more dollars than you did last year then you personally have more purchasing power.)
"So, if it takes 40 dollars to FILL my gas tank each week and next year it takes $40.40 each week then I've lost 40 cents on the value of my transportation asset."
Are you asserting the above statement is NOT true?
"You bet. The oil company shares I own should keep their value because they can sell the oil for more, right?"
Which has what to do with the valuation of the dollar?