Answer:
a) Krystal's account balance when she is 65:
$75,000 x (1 + 10%)¹⁸ = $416,993.80
$12,000 x 45.599 (FV annuity factor, 10%, 18 periods) = $547,188
total account balance = $964,181.80
Krystal will not reach her goal.
b) she need to save $1,200,000 - $964,181.80 = $235,818.20
she will need to save an extra $235,818.20 / 45.599 = $5,171.57 per year
her total contributions per year = $12,000 + $5,171.57 = $17,171.57
c) The historical growth rate of the S&P 500 is 12%, so it is really possible to earn at least 10%. Maybe the stock market is not going well right now, but you must remember that retirement accounts are long term accounts and last for many years. The market will have time to bounce back.