Final answer:
To calculate the Wongs' total financial resources, we add the Social Security benefits, Valerie's future earnings, their savings, and existing life insurance, which would then be subtracted from their projected lifestyle maintenance needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shen and Valerie Wong need to estimate their total financial resources available after Shen's death to determine their life insurance needs. These resources include Social Security survivors' benefits, Valerie's future earnings, and current savings and existing life insurance. Upon Shen's death, Valerie is expected to receive $42,000 a year in Social Security benefits for 9 years. After the youngest child graduates, Valerie will earn $52,000 annually from work until retirement at age 65.
Post-retirement, she will receive Social Security and retirement benefits of $37,200 a year. With a life expectancy of 87 years, the Wongs also have $60,000 in mutual funds and Shen has a $100,000 life insurance policy through his employer. The total financial resources after Shen's death before purchasing additional life insurance would be the sum of Social Security benefits until the youngest child graduates ($42,000 x 9 years), the value of their savings ($60,000), and Shen's employer-provided life insurance ($100,000).