Assignment:
Scenario 1:Time Value of Money / Cash Management Products
1. Use this Bankrate's Simple Savings calculator to complete Scenario 1: https://www.bankrate.com/calculators/savings/simple-savings-calculator.aspx. You will enter the Initial Amount of Savings (Present Value), Annual Interest Rate (Rate of Return), and Number of Periods/Yearsinto the calculator. The calculator will compute the Future Values.
In this scenario you will look at the impact of interest rates on your savings. Suppose that you have $2,000 of savings. You don't anticipate needing to dip into these funds in the next five years. Based on the information provided in the table, calculate the future value (FV) of $2,000 at the end of years 1 and 5 if it were to be completely invested in each of the different cash management products.
2. Based on your calculations and on all you have learned, how would you choose to save your $2,000? Consider things such as rate of return, inflation, taxes, liquidity, safety, restrictions, and fees, and explain the rationale for your decision. Respond in at least 50 words.
Scenario 2: Time Value of Money / Compounding Interest
1. Use this Bankrate's Simple Savings calculator to complete Scenario 2: https://www.bankrate.com/calculators/savings/simple-savings-calculator.aspx.You will enter the Initial Amount of Savings (Present Value), Annual Interest Rate (Rate of Return), Interest Compounded, and Number of Periods/Years into the calculator. The calculator will compute the Future Values.
In this scenario you will start with a big deposit and see how interest, compounding, and time will change the balance over time. Suppose that you inherit $10,000 from your late uncle.You save this money and do not deposit any more money to the account. Determine how much money you would have at the end of each of the periods for each of the scenarios in the table below, assuming that you don't make any withdrawals from the account over the period.
2. Based on your calculations above, explain in your own words the impact of compounding interest.
Scenario 3: Cost of Credit/Opportunity Cost/Trade-Offs
1. In this scenario you will calculate the monthly payment and total interest paid on a car loan. Suppose that you need $15,000 to buy a used vehicle to get back and forth to work and school. You have $7,500 in a money market fund earning 1.00% per year, but you are not sure you want to use any or all of that money.
2. Based on the above calculations, the price of the car, and the money available in a money market fund, which loan option would you suggest to someone purchasing a vehicle? Please explain the rationale and considerations for your decision.
3. In your own words, how would you summarize "opportunity cost"? How does the concept of opportunity cost apply to this decision? Explain in a brief paragraph.
Income Taxes
Each year you will need to file a federal income tax return by April 15th. While you may use software or a tax preparation professional to help you complete your return, there are still some terms of which you should have a basic understanding. Respond to the following to demonstrate your understanding. Each response should be at least 50 words.
4. Explain the differences between taxable income and adjusted gross income.
5. In your own words, define tax deduction, exemption, and tax credit.