Part 1 – Short Financial Essay

Background

In 2017, a health worker in Massachusetts won the Powerball jackpot for $759 million. She was given a choice of how to take the money: as an annuity or as a lump sum. Choosing the annuity option distributes the jackpot over 30 payments, which increases by 5% each year to keep up with the cost of living. To see an example of how this annuity works, please go to: Powerball Annuity Cashflow Calculator.

The lump sum method means taking the entire cash value at once, but there’s a catch: The lump sum is less than the value of the total jackpot. For the winner, the lump sum meant she would receive $480 million or $336 million after taxes.

The health care worker, Ms. Mavis L. Wanczyk, age 53, quit her job, came forward immediately and without consulting with a financial advisor or counsel chose the lump sum method of collecting her winnings.

Based on what you have learned in week 4 (Module 4 PDF), would you have done anything different than Ms. Wanczyk? Would you rather have preferred a structured payout (annuity) per year for the next 30 years or accept the money upfront and pay all the taxes in the year you won? What factors would you consider in making your decision? Would you have quit your job? Would you have consulted with a financial advisor or tax or legal counsel? Does your age matter (if you died, the annuity payments would continue to be paid to your estate)? Please discuss. (400-450 words)

Please use at least one extra material/article, need APA references and intext citation.

Part 2 – Reply of Discussion #2

Please read the ideas of the four different students and respond. (200-250 words/student). Need APA references.

Background

Can the goal of maximizing the value of a Company’s stock conflict with other goals, such as avoiding unethical or illegal behavior? In particular, do you think subjects like customer and employee safety, the environment and the general good of society fit in this framework, or are they ignored?