Before taking out a loan, it’s vital to calculate how much you’ll pay in interest to understand the true borrowing costs. Ask the lender if interest is assessed using the simple interest formula or an amortization schedule. Then, use the appropriate formula or an online calculator to run ...
In the context of a loan, amortization is when you pay off a debt on a regular, fixed schedule. Often, within the first few years, the bulk of your monthly payments will go toward interest. For example, if you have an auto loan with a monthly payment of $500, your first month’s ...
with the same terms, but the interest is compounded annually. When the loan is due, instead of owing $13,000, you end up owing $13,310. While you may not consider $310 a huge difference, this example is only a three-year loan; compound interest piles up and becomes oppressive...
5.Recast your mortgage Recasting your loan is also known as re-amortization. You pay a lump sum towards the principal of your loan and the bank recalculates your principal and monthly interest due. Your monthly payment is reset or re-amortized based on a new, lower amount. So, you end u...