In Franklin’s will, he gave 1,000 pounds sterling to Massach…

In Franklin’s will, he gave 1,000 pounds sterling to Massachusetts and the city of Boston. He gave a like amount to Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia. The money was paid to Franklin when he held political office, but he believed that politicians should not be paid for their service (it appears that this view is not widely shared by modern-day politicians). Franklin originally specified that the money should be paid out 100 years after his death and used to train young people. Later, however, after some legal wrangling, it was agreed that the money would be paid out in 1990, 200 years after Franklin’s death. By that time, the Pennsylvania bequest had grown to about $2 million; the Massachusetts bequest had grown to $4.5 million. The money was used to fund the Franklin Institutes in Boston and Philadelphia. Assuming that 1,000 pounds sterling was equivalent to 1,000 dollars, what rate of return did the two states earn (the dollar did not become the official U.S. currency until 1792)?

Currently, a two-year Treasury note pays 3.4%. Assuming that…

Currently, a two-year Treasury note pays 3.4%. Assuming that your federal income tax rate is 20% and state income tax rate is 10%. Ignoring the default risk, what is the minimum interest rate that you would you need to earn on a tax-free municipal bond in order to buy it instead?