You want to quit your job and go back to school for a MBA 4 years from now, and you plan to save $8,800 per year, beginning immediately. You will make 4 deposits in an account that pays 5.7% interest. Under these assumptions, how much will you have 4 years from today? a. $32,408.12 b. $35,243.83 c. $34,838.73 d. $40,510.15 e. $48,207.0

Explanation:

The following tables will make it easier understanding the calculations.

Every year, you add the deposit of $8,800 to the starting amount, calculate the 5.7% interest over the balance, add the interests to the balance and obtain the final balance of the year, which is the starting balance of the next year.

First year:

Start ($):                      0

Deposit ($):                8,800

Balance ($):               8,800

Interest($):                 5.7% × 8,800 = 501.60

Final balance ($):      8,800 + 501.60 = 9,301.60

Second year:

Start ($):                    9,301.60

Deposit ($):              8,800

Balance ($):             9,301.60 + 8,800 = 18,101.60

Interest($):               5.7% × 18,101.60 = 1,031.79

Final balance ($):    18,101.60 + 1,031.79 = 19,133.39

Third year:

Start ($):                    19,133.39

Deposit ($):              8,800

Balance ($):             19,133.39 + 8,800 = 27,933.39

Interest($):               5.7% × 27,333.39 = 1,595.20

Final balance ($):    27,933.39 + 1,595.20 = 29,525.59

Fourth year:

Start ($):                   29,525.59

Deposit ($):              8,800

Balance ($):             29,525.59 + 8,800 = 38,325.59

Interest($):               5.7% × 38,325.59 = 2,184.56

Final balance ($):    38,325.59 + 2,184.56 = 40,510.15

cognitive overload: having a lot on your mind impairs decision-making and tends to result in the simplest, but not necessarily best, option being selected.

empathy gaps: overlooking how you might feel in a different situation can result in unnecessary purchases, such as overbuying when shopping for food on an empty stomach.

optimism and overconfidence: wearing rose-tinted glasses and having unrealistic expectations about the future can affect money management and leave you unprepared for a change in circumstance.

instant gratification: seeking instant gratification drives impulsive spending and can undermine long-term planning and savings.

harmful habits: automatic or mindless behaviour can amplify a poor financial decision as it becomes a recurring event.

social norms: we are heavily influenced by the actions of others; while this can be in certain circumstances, it also contributes to the pressure to keep up with the joneses through conspicuous consumption.