Financial Technology Center - School of Business - Central Connecticut State University

 

Today, Bruce and Brenda each have $150,000 in an investment account.  No other contributions will be made to their investment accounts.  Both have the same goal:  They each want their account to reach $1 million, at which time each will retire.  Bruce has his money invested in risk-free securities with an expected annual return of 5 percent.  Brenda has her money invested in a stock fund with an expected annual return of
10 percent.  How many years after Brenda retires will Bruce retire?

 

Step 1:  Find the number of years it will take for each $150,000 investment to grow to $1,000,000.

BRUCE:  I/YR = 5; PV = -150000; PMT = 0; FV = 1000000; and then solve for N = 38.88.

BRENDA:  I/YR = 10; PV = -150000; PMT = 0; FV = 1000000; and then solve for N = 19.90.

 

Step 2:  Calculate the difference in the length of time for the accounts to reach $1 million:

Bruce will be able to retire in 38.88 years, or 38.88 – 19.90 = 18.98

19 years after Brenda does.