What is your dream job? Create a dream job for yourself. The job does not need to make you rich, but it does need to support you and your family. If you would like the job to make you rich, go for it! For this project, assume that you have a spouse and two dependents (they don’t have to be children) who rely on you for support.

Decide on your compensation. Make sure it is reasonable for the position you have created for yourself. Look online if you are not sure what is reasonable for your chosen job. Your total compensation package should contain at least the following:

-Salary

-at least 3 Taxable Fringe Benefits

-at least 5 Non taxable Fringe Benefits

Assume that any nontaxable fringe benefits are provided to you at the maximum amount.

For Taxable Fringes, determine the value, using reasonable assumptions or outside research. If you are unsure of the value of some of the benefits, ask the people around you who have benefits. (For example, for health insurance, find the actual value of a policy either online or by asking others who have a policy.)

Determine the amount of total compensation that results from your package, and the taxable income that results using the MFJ filing status, 2 dependents, the standard deduction and personal exemptions.

Don’t see children in your future? No problem: maybe your mom lives with you or your favorite uncle. But whichever dependents you have, be sure to include their impact in your life financially. (For example, college costs for children, burial or long term care costs for parents, etc.)

In addition, as a responsible adult, you need to start planning for retirement. Choose a work sponsored retirement vehicle, making sure that it goes with the occupation you have chosen, and maximize contributions to that plan. Explain your employer’s plan and how it works. In addition, choose a non work related retirement vehicle to invest in. Plan to maximize your contributions, in every possible way (consider your spouse also). Consider the investment advantages and any tax consequences. What investments are you using: mutual funds, stocks, bonds? What is your rate of return on your investments? Again, research the subject and use reasonable rates to calculate your returns. Predict how your retirement plan will provide for you in retirement. At what age can you retire, and what will be your estimated annual income? For how many years? Will you need a second job? If so, what will it be? You all have the skills to do this, using the time value of money and present and future value of payments and/or annuities and lump sums. If you are stuck on this part, see your intermediate or introductory financial accounting text for assistance.

This is a comprehensive project. You are covering 2 chapters of information, and the finished product should reflect that. I will be looking at use of factual information, creativity, and thoroughness in answering all of the questions asked. Your grade will reflect the time you invest in this project so treat it seriously. For those of you who are worried about your grades, this is a chance to pull them up. This project will be worth the same as a tax return, 100 points, so it will comprise a significant portion of your course grade. Impress me! This project will distinguish the A+ students from everyone else! Feel free to work in groups, but each individual is required to turn in their own project, and each project must be unique. Your group should be considered your financial advisors, there to help you make your financial decisions. Please include a list of financial advisors when you turn your project in.

REQUIRED:

-A clear list of all compensation on an annual basis (presented in a spreadsheet format). Be sure to total the compensation, and label each item as salary, taxable fringe, non taxable fringe. Tell me why you chose those particular items to be included in your compensation. A superstar salary does not get you out of the rest of the project, so plan accordingly.

-A clearly stated plan for retirement investing, including amount per pay period invested, term in years, value in the end, and annual payments to you after retirement, and your age at retirement. Be sure to include retirement savings from work and non work sources. Use realistic assumptions in your interest rate and investment horizon. Include any other sums that you may receive to supplement your retirement, including social security. Document the formulas you used to arrive at your answer, and any information sources you used, including people you talked to. Why did you choose the investments and methods you used?

-Who are your dependents? What is your age and your spouse’s age? Is there an ex spouse? If there is an ex spouse, how does alimony play a part in your tax planning? What were the details of the divorce? (Monetary details only!!!) (You need to still have a spouse for tax purposes so assume you remarried!)

-If your dependents are children, are you planning for their college education costs, and how does that impact your retirement savings? How are you planning for their education? If your dependent is an aging parent, how are you coping with any medical bills?

-a list of all information sources

If you use Excel and/or Word to create the assignment, please upload the files to Canvas.

Be sure to answer the questions required for maximum points.