Marty's investments earned a before tax rate of return of $9\%$ in a year when inflation was

$2\%.$ He and his financial planner had decided he needed to earn $6\mathrm{.}5\%$ real annually to reach

his retirement goals.

a$.$ Marty can relax $-$ he has met his goal for the year.

b$.$ Marty can relax $-$ he has exceeded his goal for the year.

c$.$ Marty had better start reviewing his options $-$ he has failed to meet his goal for the

year.

d$.$ Marty should panic $-$ he has failed miserably to meet his goal for the year.