Final answer:
The future value of Rachel and Richard's portfolio will be calculated using compound interest for each account with varying growth rates, and we can estimate the time it will take to reach their retirement goal by iterative computation or using financial tools.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine when Rachel and Richard's portfolio will be sufficient for them to retire, we need to calculate the future value of each investment component, taking into account individual growth rates, and then find out how long it takes for the total to reach their goal of $2,100,000. We can use the formula of compound interest to calculate the future value of each account: FV = P(1 + r)n, where P is the principal amount, r is the annual growth rate, and n is the number of years.
Since we do not have an explicit formula to directly solve for n, and the rates are different for each account, this involves either iterative computation or using financial functions in a spreadsheet or financial calculator to estimate the time until the portfolio's total value meets the retirement goal.
Given the power of compound interest, an essential strategy is to start saving early, as exemplified by the retirement savings examples provided. These illustrate how initial investments grow over time, highlighting the importance of early and consistent savings for achieving retirement goals,