You just turned

$18$

years old, but are thinking about retirement. You would like to retire at the age of

$55$

with

$

$2$

$,$

$500$

$,$

$000$

saved. You have found an account where you can lock in an interest rate of

$6$

$\%$

compounded semi$-$annually. Answer the questions. Round your answers to the nearest cent.

$($a$)$ How much would you need to deposit NOW to reach your goal? You will make no deposits or withdrawals after the first deposit.

$

$($b$)$ If you retired

$8$

years later, how much would you need to deposit now? Like before, you will make no additional deposits or withdrawals.

$