Question: You've just learned that you inherited $500,000 from a long-lost relative. Now you need to decide how to invest the money. Your grandfather recommends that you put the money in your local savings and loan, which has an insured savings account earning 3.5% nominal interest rate annually, compounded monthly. Your cousin, who is a stockbroker, recommends that you invest the money in the stock market. She points out that her clients have been earning an average rate of return of 8.0% per year over the last 20 years depending on what stock you choose, although at present the returns are negative.
a) Assuming that you want to use the money for retirement in 40 years, should you listen to your grandfather or your cousin? Give your reason(s).
b) After you retire, you want to be able to earn at least $50,000 per year in 2014 dollars. How much income will you need to earn in 2054 dollars? Assume the inflation rate is 2.0% per year