John has just won the state lottery and has three award options from which to choose. He can elect to receive a lump sum payment today of $46 million, 10 annual end-of-year payments of $7 million, or 30 annual end-of-year payments of $4 million. If he expects to earn a 7% annual return on his investments, which option should he choose and why?

John should opt for the 30 annual end-of-the-year payments of $4 million as that gives the highest present of value of $49,636,164.73  as shown below.

Explanation:

The options are evaluated as follows:

Option 1 $46,000,0000 today

Option 2

The present of value of this option is calculated using the below formula:

Present value of annuity = ((1-(1/((1+i)^n))/i) X PMT

where i=rate=7%

n=10years

PMT=$7m

PV=((1-(1/((1+0.07)^10))/0.07) X 7000000

PV=$ 43,834,929.21  

Option 3

The present value of this option using the formula in option 2 is:

PV=((1-(1/((1+0.07)^30))/0.07) X 4000000

PV=$49,636,164.73  

Hence, the last option is preferable.

you will have $2593.74 in 10 years if you set aside $1,000 at 10%

you will have $9321.91 in 20 years if you set aside $2000 at 8%

you will have $1469.32 in 5 years if you set aside $1000 at 8%

you will have $1296.87 in 10 years if you set aside $500 at 10%

you will have $239.66 in 15 years if you set aside $100 at 6%

you will have $4660.96 in 20 years if you set aside $1000 at 8%

answer; complain or request hazard correction from your employer;