1) Income Comparison: Research your expected income after you graduate.
Assume you obtain whatever level of education needed to enter your desired area of employment.
We recommend using the annual Median salary found at:
http://www. bls. gov/oes/current/oes_in. htm#27-0000

*You will need to click on your desired career in order to see the Annual Median wage.
If using a different source, you must cite it.

1b) State what your desired area of employment is and what the median annual salary for that position is.
Why did you choose this career? How much schooling is needed for this job?

1c) Make at least one statement comparing your expected salary with that of the median income of an unskilled worker.
Please use absolute and relative change statements as they are an excellent way to compare values.
Assume that the median annual income for an unskilled worker is $20,000, use this value in comparison statements.

2)Housing Comparison: Assume that you and your unskilled worker counterpart plan to spend 1/5th (20%) of your gross monthly income on house payments. Research the current fixed rate APR for mortgages and choose one that might fit your needs. Most people will use a 30 year mortgage, however, you may use a 15 year mortgage if you wish.
Then use Excel to determine the largest value of a mortgage that each of you can afford to borrow under those conditions.

2b) Your answer should contain at least one statement comparing the value of the house that an unskilled worker can afford and that you expect to be able to afford. (Remember to use absolute and relative change here).

2c) Explain what Excel function was used for these calculations. Cite what source you used to find mortgage rates.

2d) Research housing costs in an area where you would like to live. Will your future salary allow you to afford the house you want, or should you consider other housing options? How much more or less must you spend to get the house you want? Cite what source you used to find housing costs.

3) Retirement Comparison: 401 k investments are expected to earn a 5% annual return.
Assume that 7.5% of your gross monthly income is to be set aside for 401 k investment.
Use Excel to determine the balance on such a 401 k after 40 years of investment for the unskilled worker and for your expected income.

3b) Your answer should contain at least one statement comparing the value of the 401 k investment of the unskilled worker and for your expected salary.

3c) Explain what Excel function was used for these calculations.

3d) Also use Excel to determine how many years it would take for the unskilled worker and for your expected investment to reach $500,000. Your answer should contain at least one statement comparing the time it would take for the 401 k investment of the unskilled worker and for your expected salary to reach $500,000.