Final answer:
Considering raises, investment, and spending habits, Alinta and Rose are most likely to be in a better financial position due to their investment strategies and the effect of compound interest. Quincy's strategy of increasing savings is also beneficial. Pol's financial position may not improve as his spending increases with his income.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which individual is likely to end up in a better financial position in the long run, we need to consider the impacts of raises, savings, and inflation.
Alinta receives annual raises of 3.5% and invests any amount above inflation. Assuming that inflation is less than 3.5%, she will be investing the difference, which allows her savings to grow over time, benefiting from compound interest.
Pol gets a 5% annual raise but also increases his expenses by 5%, which means he does not accumulate additional savings from his raises and does not benefit from investment growth due to those raises.
Quincy receives 5% raises annually and increases his savings rate by about half of the raise amount. Quincy benefits from the raises by saving more and possibly earning returns on the increased savings.
Rose began saving a fixed percentage (3%) at an early age. The power of compound interest works in her favor, especially if these savings are invested with returns above inflation.
Considering these details, Alinta and Rose are leveraging compound interest and the impact of investing over time. Quincy follows a prudent financial strategy by increasing savings, which is likely to accumulate wealth over time. Pol, however, may not be saving enough to ensure a better financial position due to increasing expenses in line with income without additional savings.