1. How would you rate the financial status of the Garners before the air conditioner broke down?
2. The Garners take-home pay is over $4,500 a month. Yet, after all expenses are paid, there is only $220 surplus each month. Based on the information presented in this case, what expenses, if any, seem out of line and could be reduced in order to increase the surplus at the end of each month?
3. Given that both Joe and Mary Garner are in their mid-thirties and want to retire when they reach age 65, what type of investment goals would be most appropriate for this couple?
4. How does the time value of money and the asset allocation concept affect the type of long-term goals and the investments that a couple like the Garners might use to build their financial nest egg?
5. Based on the different investments described in this chapter, what specific types of investments (stocks, mutual funds, real estate, etc.) would you recommend for the Garners? Why?