Boatler Used Cadillac Co. requires $860,000 in financing over the next two years. The firm can borrow the funds for two years at 7 percent interest per year. Mr. Boatler decides to do forecasting and predicts that if he utilizes short-term financing instead, he will pay 5.25 percent interest in the first year and 9.55 percent interest in the second year. Assume interest is paid in full at the end of each year.

a. Determine the total two-year interest cost under each plan.

b. Which plan is less costly?

Long-term fixed-rate plan

Short-term variable-rate plan