A dollar paid (or received) in the future is:

• A. not considered in time value of money calculations
• B. worth less than a dollar paid (or received) today
• C. worth the same as a dollar paid (or received) today
• D. worth more than a dollar paid (or received) today

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of the time value of money (TVM), which states that a dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future due to its earning potential and inflation. This is a foundational principle in financial accounting.
2. Recognize that the time value of money is influenced by factors such as interest rates, inflation, and opportunity cost. These factors reduce the value of money received or paid in the future compared to money received or paid today.
3. Learn that future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate, which reflects the cost of capital or required rate of return. This process helps compare the value of money across different time periods.
4. Apply the formula for present value (PV) to calculate the worth of future cash flows: \( PV = \frac{FV}{(1 + r)^n} \), where \( FV \) is the future value, \( r \) is the discount rate, and \( n \) is the number of periods.
5. Conclude that a dollar paid or received in the future is worth less than a dollar paid or received today due to the discounting effect and the time value of money principle.