A) To decide which alternative to take, you need to compare the values of these alternatives. Although the total nominal dollar of the annuity is much larger than the single payment the former is not necessarily a better choice due to the different timing of cash flows. A way to make a meaningful comparison of the two alternatives is to compare their present values.

If you take the prize as an annuity, the present value of the 20-year ordinary annuity is $ (blank). (Round to the nearest cent.)

If you take the prize as a single amount, the present value of the lump sum is $ (blank). (Round to the nearest dollar.)

Which alternative should be chosen? Lump sum, because the present value is greater or Annual payments, because the present value is greater?

B) If you earned 13% rather than 11% on your investments, the present value of the 20-year ordinary annuity is $ (blank). (Round to the nearest cent.)

Which alternative should be chosen? Annual payments, because the present value is greater or Lump sum, because the present value is greater?

C) On a strictly economic basis, the rate at which you would be indifferent between the two plans is (blank) %. (Round to two decimal places.)

Value of an annuity versus a single amount Personal Finance Problem Assume that you just won the state lottery. Your prize can be taken either in the form of $43,000 at the end of each of the next 20 years (that is, $860,000 over 20 years) or as a single amount of $496,000 paid immediately. a. If you expect to earn 9% annually on your investments over the next 20 years, ignoring taxes and other considerations, which alternative should you take? Why? b. Would your decision in part a change if you could earn 11% rather than 9% on your investments over the next 20 years? Why? c. At approximately what interest rate would you be indifferent between the two options