Final answer:
To find out how much Earl needs to invest today to retire with $320,000 at 65, given a 4% interest rate compounded semiannually, we use the present value formula for compound interest, taking into account his current age (46) and desired retirement age (65).
Step-by-step explanation:
Checkm Earl Ezekiel wishes to retire with $320,000 at the age of 65, and is currently 46 years of age. With an annual interest rate of 4%, compounded semiannually, we need to calculate the present value of the future sum to determine how much Earl needs to invest today to reach his retirement goal. This is a time value of money problem that can be solved using the present value formula for compound interest:
PV = FV / (1 + r/n)nt
Where:
- PV = Present Value
- FV = Future Value ($320,000)
- r = Annual Interest Rate (0.04)
- n = Number of times interest is compounded per year (2)
- t = Number of years until retirement (65 - 46 = 19 years)
By substituting the given values into the formula, we calculate the amount Earl should invest today.