Final answer:
To reach a goal of $12,300 in 6 years with a 12% annual return, you should invest approximately $6,109.63 today. This is calculated using the present value formula.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the amount you need to deposit today to reach your future goal of $12,300 with an annual return rate of 12%, you can use the formula for the present value of a future sum:
PV = FV / (1 + r)^n
Where:
- PV is the present value,
- FV is the future value which is $12,300,
- r is the annual interest rate (0.12 in this case),
- n is the number of years (6 in this case).
Plugging in the values:
PV = $12,300 / (1 + 0.12)^6
Calculating the denominator first:
(1 + 0.12)^6 ≈ 2.0122
Dividing the future value by this number gives us:
PV = $12,300 / 2.0122 ≈ $6,109.63
Therefore, you need to invest approximately $6,109.63 today to have $12,300 in 6 years, assuming a 12% annual return.