Understanding the Impact of Compounding

There are many reasons why people dont save: I dont have any extra money. I promise to start next year. I have $100 . . . what will that do? Id rather pay extra on my bills and get those taken care of first. Many people who did establish a retirement plan have found that, years into their plan, they made three mistakes:

	They started too late.
	They put away too little.
	They invested too conservatively.

And these pitfalls are magnified when you consider compound interest.

Consider the compound interest effect in the following two scenarios. (Note: In your calculations, use either the formula or the financial calculator. Round your answers to the nearest cent.)

Lorenzo, age 25, is starting his savings plan this year by putting away $2,362.50 at the end of every year until he reaches age 65. He will deposit this money at his local savings and loan at an interest rate of 6%.

The future value annuity interest factor is 154.7620.

Based on the information provided, by the time Lorenzo turns 65, he will have $_______.

Neha, age 30, is starting her savings plan this year by putting away $2,362.50 at the end of every year until she reaches age 65. She will deposit this money at her local savings and loan at an interest rate of 6%.

The future value annuity interest factor is 111.4348.

Based on the information provided, by the time Neha turns 65, she will have $______.

Lorenzo started his investment program five years earlier and set aside $_______ more than Neha. By the time Lorenzo turns 65, he will have accumulated $_____ more than Neha.