Journal Assignment: Present and Future Values, and Expected Returns

We examined two important topics in finance this week: (a) present and future values and (b) security valuation.

Critically reflect on the importance of present and future values. What factors must be considered when calculating present and future values? What other qualitative factors play into present and future value decisions? Perhaps you have opportunities in your professional life to use present and future values. What are some real or potential applications of these concepts?

We also looked at expected returns. Why do bond values go down when interest rates go up? Is this true in the opposite direction?

Assignment: Return on Investment: Education Funding

Develop a three- to four-page analysis (excluding the title and reference pages) on the projected return on investment for your college education and projected future employment. This analysis will consist of two parts:

Part 1: Explain how you made the decision to pursue an education in Business or Finance. Include a summary of expenses related to that decision, such as: cost of tuition, cost of books, the interest you may pay on any loans and any other associated expenses.

Part 2: Conduct research on your desired occupation and identify how much compensation (return) you expect to earn. How long will it take to pay back the return on this investment? Be sure to consider the trade-off between the cost of education and the expected return on investment.

The research paper should be comprehensive and include specific examples. The paper should be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. You must include at least two scholarly sources from the Ashford University Library or other scholarly sources other than the textbook to support your claims. Cite your sources in-text and on the reference page. For information regarding APA samples and tutorials.