A washer$-$dryer combination can be purchased from a department store by making monthly credit card payments of $$48\mathrm{.}99$ for three$-$and$-$a$-$half years. The first payment is due on the date of sale and interest is $14\%$ compounded monthly.

$($A$)$What is the purchase price?

$($B$)$How much will be paid in installments?

$($C$)$ How much is the cost of financing?

$($D$)$ If an additional $$9\mathrm{.}00$ per month is added to cover a service contract, what is the value of the entire contract on the date of sale?