[Pre-Actuarial Foundations End-of-Module Assessment]

Instructions: You must enter your answers to each assessment question in the sections noted
below, and must not change any information contained within the first set of black brackets [] for
each Task.

[ Task 1 ]
pafksat

In both the cases, the company has contributed 1,000 at the end of each year for varied periods
depending on the individual’s requirement. The calculation is based on the compound interest rates
given for each option.

The interest calculations are based on annual compounding, considering new contributions by the
company at the end of each year. The first contribution is $1000, and relevant interest rates are applied
accordingly. The calculation follows a consistent approach, with interest earned annually on the fund's
current value. Subsequently, new contributions are added to the fund value. This process continues until
the individual reaches the age of retirement. At that point, they have the option to either continue the
fund or make a withdrawal. If they choose to continue, the interest continues to accrue at the same rate
without any new contributions from the company.

By following the above approach, below results for the fund have been concluded:

Option A (opted by Lifan’s colleague):

Company makes total contributions for 25 years, totaling to $25,000. This fund earns an interest of 6%
annually on compound basis. After 25 years, the fund value is approx. $55,000 at the age of retirement.
But the fund is continued to grow for another 10 years of 6% to $104,150 without any additional
contributions. This leads to the total investment period to 35 years (25 years of contribution from
company and additional 10 years of returns on existing fund) for Lifan’s colleague.

Option B (opted by Lifan):

Company makes total contributions for 30 years, totaling to $30,000. This fund earns an interest of 7%
annually (which is 1% higher than option A). After 30 years of contributions, the fund value is approx.
$101,073 at the age of retirement. The fund is withdrawn at this point.

Based on the above calculations, Lifan’s colleague has earned higher returns than Lifan due to longer
investment period of 5 years.

PAF EMA – page 1

[ Task 2 ]
pafksat

Reasons why Yongi’s statement did not apply EI –

 Lack of empathy: Yongi was not sensitive (or empathetic) enough towards her aunt as she didn’t
recognize her aunt’s worry considering the extra 10 years, she worked with the company and yet
received lower returns than expected. Yongi should have showed more understanding instead of
stating that the math was simple which made her aunt feel invalidated.

 Lack of sympathy: Yongi should have avoided the comment, “If you had performed these
calculations yourself 30 years ago, you would have made more money in your retirement plan”.
This caused her aunt’s anger as she felt it was her own fault for bearing the loss and if that
happened because of a simple math calculation. Yongi should have focused on calming her aunt
instead of blaming, this showed lack of sympathy.

 Lack of compassion: She could have further advised her aunt with financial management tips for
future to compensate for her current loss. She could have also comforted her by telling this is
normal to experience since many people lack financial knowledge at such age. This would have
given her assurance knowing she isn’t alone and there is still an opportunity to achieve her goals
or targets.

 Lack of respect: Yongi’s statement lacked respect towards her aunt’s feeling and intelligence.
Since her comment “You should have known” have come across as disrespectful and has hurt her
aunt’s feelings.

PAF EMA – page 2

[ Task 3 ]
pafksat

Yongi could have shared a response like below –

“Upon thorough validation, I can confirm that the calculation is accurate, and there are no errors in the
balance calculated. Despite the higher interest rate on your option, your colleague benefited from having
extra years of investment, which influenced the outcome. If you'd like, I can provide you with a yearly
projection of your account to aid in better understanding, or we can directly request an account
statement from the company. Additionally, it's worth noting that the difference in the retirement
amount between the two options is not substantial, giving us the opportunity to explore other
investment options to maximize returns.
I understand that this situation may be disheartening, but please rest assured that it is entirely normal to
feel confused when presented with such enticing options. Understanding the exact calculation can be
challenging. I am here to support you with your financial management, or we can seek advice from a
financial consultant to provide more appropriate guidance.
Please know that you're not alone in facing such complexities, and together, we will find the best path
forward to secure your financial future.”

With the above response Yongi would show empathy and respect through below scenarios:
 Lifan would feel more confident knowing that the situation can still be managed and it’s not too
late to make the required changes.
 The conveyed message adopts a calm and understanding tone, assuring Lifan that the
responsibility for the situation does not lie with her aunt.
 By expressing empathy and sympathy, it becomes evident that support is readily available to
help Lifan navigate through this situation and it encourages her aunt to avoid fear of judgement.
 This will ensure there is no strain on their relationship because of this incident.

By applying EI tools, Yongi would have approached the conversation more appropriately. This would
have resulted in more positive conversation followed by sufficient discussions. Yongi’s aunt would have
felt heard and valued, rather than being defensive or hurt.

PAF EMA – page 3

[ Task 4 ]
pafksat

Following techniques from EI could be applied to handle the situation:

 REFLECT – Yongi should take a moment to compose herself and reflect on the potential
repercussions of yelling at her aunt, which could impact not only her but others as well. Her
angry response may lead to the following consequences:
o Her relationship with her aunt might get affected due to the heated conversation or
argument.
o Negative perception from her family, making them reluctant to seek her help in the
future.
o Being perceived as unsupportive of her aunt's concerns.

 RELATE – Yongi should try to relate with her aunt’s emotions to respond appropriately. She
should think of the situation as if this were to happen with her then how would she like to cope
with it. The same can be applied with her aunt as well. Taking a moment to relate oneself with
others helps in building more empathetic connections and increased social connectedness. Even
if, Yongi doesn’t agree with her aunt, she can follow a calmer tone and be respectful towards
her. She can also suggest taking this query to the company if Lifan is still not satisfied of the
calculation approach and would like more information.

It is essential to refrain from acting on impulse and instead, think before reacting, allowing for a more
composed and thoughtful response. This approach will help Yongi handle the situation better and
improve her relationship with her aunt.

PAF EMA – page 4

[ Task 5 ]
pafksat

Yongi could have used multiple EI tools and techniques to keep her composure and improve her
responses in this situation.

 REFLECT – Before meeting with her aunt, Yongi should have taken time to reflect on her own
emotions and potential reactions to the situation. By understanding her emotional state, she
could have prepared to approach the conversation calmly and empathetically.

 RELATE - Yongi should have put herself in her aunt's shoes, considering how her aunt might feel
about the situation and the importance it holds for her. This empathetic perspective would have
allowed Yongi to approach the conversation with more understanding and compassion.

 ADAPT – Yongi should adapt a positive outlook in the conversation even if the results are not
favorable. This would help her adjust the communication with her aunt to help her understand
the situation and possible solutions to overcome any difficulties. Yongi should make her aunt
visualize the success by giving her reasonable reasons to assume that in later years she can
achieve better returns on the investment, as that would give more security and calmness to her
aunt.

 WORKING WITH EI – After applying above measures, Yongi should plan her actions in a way to
include the listed techniques and improver her responses in the situations. She should use more
mindfulness techniques as well to increase the focus and improve the EI as it will help her
identify and recognize her own emotions.

The above three techniques are the suggestions on how Yongi should have reacted during the situation.
In the current module, an EI Action Plan worksheet is also provided which can help the individual to list
down the challenges, possible solutions and finally the achievements following that course. This will help
the individual to get more focused and improve the EI in long run and reduce the triggers.

PAF EMA – page 5