Davy, who just turned 55, intends to retire 10 years from now.

This question is a direct application of the time value of money concept—specifically present value (PV)—as taught in the LLQP Segregated Funds and Annuities material. Present value “works backwards from a future date” and answers the question: how much is needed now to achieve a future savings goal. The LLQP text provides the formula:

PV = FV ÷ (1 + interest rate)ⁿ

Here, Davy’s future goal is FV = $200,000, the annual return is 3% (0.03), and the time horizon is n = 10 years. Substituting into the LLQP formula:

PV = 200,000 ÷ (1.03)¹⁰

(1.03)¹⁰ ≈ 1.343916, so:

PV ≈ 200,000 ÷ 1.343916 ≈ $148,818.9, which rounds to $148,819.

Therefore, if Davy has at least $148,819 in his RRSP today and earns an average of 3% per year for the next 10 years with no additional contributions, he should reach approximately $200,000 by age 65.

This aligns exactly with the LLQP explanation that PV calculations are used “to help a person determine how much needs to be saved today to yield a specified pension at a future date.”