In: Finance
Elizabeth & Nancy are each contemplating an expenditure alternative. Advise them on the best alternative.
Elizabeth’s alternative involves making payments of $1700 now and $2210 at the end of every six months for 6 years. Interest is 12% compounded semi-annually.
Nancy’s alternative involves making end of monthly payments of $500 for seven years. Interest is 12% compounded monthly.
Which is the lowest expenditure alternative?
Answer - Elizabeth's Alternative is lowest expenditure alternative
Workings
We will calculte present value of both the alternative using a financial calculator
Alternative 1 - Elizabeth
First of all we will calculate the present value of $2210 at the end of every six months for 6 years. Interest is 12% compounded semi-annually. and then add 1700 to it to get the total expenditure in present value terms
PMT = 2210
N = 12 ............(2 paymnets per year * 6years)
I/Y = 6 ............... (12/2)
CPT - PV = 18528.29
Now we will add 1700 to the present value calculted above to get the total expenditure in present value terms
Total Expendititute in present value terms = 18528.29 + 1700 = 20228.29
Alternative 2 - Nancy
We have the following information
PMT = 500
I/Y = 1 ............. (12/12)
N = 84 .............. (12 months * 7years)
CPT - PV = 28,324
Total Expendititute in present value terms = 28,324