Question

Compare the accumulated value of an IRA account into which $500 is invested at the end of each month; the account earns 2.5% annual interest. Make sure you compare how much was invested and how much interest was earned.

a.       You start at age 25 and retire at 60.

b.       You start at age 30 and retire at 60.

c.        You start at age 35 and retire at 60.

d.       You start at age 40 and retire at 60.

The questions should be answered with a table created in excel. Make sure the column headings are clearly labeled and use appropriate units.

Answer 1

Formula to calculate amounts:

FV of annuity = P * {[(1+r)^n - 1]/r}
FV of annuity = Future value of annuity
P = Monthly payment
r = rate of interest per month
n = number of months

On solving in excel

Option	Invested amount	Value of investment at the end of 60 th year	Interest Earned
A	B	C	C-B
a	$210,000.00	$335,206.28	$125,206.28
b	$180,000.00	$267,683.77	$87,683.77
c	$150,000.00	$208,087.62	$58,087.62
d	$120,000.00	$155,487.35	$35,487.35