1. Gomez Electrics needs to arrange financing for its expansion program. Bank A offers to lend Gomez the required funds on a loan in which interest must be paid monthly, and the quoted rate is 8%. Bank B will charge 9%, with interest due at the end of the year. What is the difference in the effective annual rates charged by the two banks?
2. Today, Bruce and Brenda each have $150,000 in an investment account. No other contributions will be made to their investment accounts. Both have the same goal: They each want their account to reach $1 million, at which time each will retire. Bruce has his money invested in risk-free securities with an expected annual return of 5%. Brenda has her money invested in a stock fund with an expected annual return of 10%. How many years after Brenda retires will Bruce retire?
3. You are currently investing your money in a bank account that has a nominal annual return of 7%, compounded monthly. How many years will it take for you to double your money?