Final answer:
To find the monthly deposit needed to reach $40,000 in 18 years with an average return of 7%, we can use the formula for compound interest.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the monthly deposit needed to reach $40,000 in 18 years with an average return of 7%, we can use the formula for compound interest.
Let's assume the monthly deposit is 'X'.
The future value of the savings account after 18 years will be $40,000.
Now, we can use the formula for compound interest: FV = PV(1 + r/n)^(nt), where FV is the future value, PV is the present value, r is the annual interest rate, n is the number of times interest is compounded per year, and t is the number of years.
Plugging in the given values, we get: $40,000 = X(1 + 0.07/12)^(12 * 18).
Solving this equation for X gives us the monthly deposit needed to reach the goal.