What You Need to Know

💡Why This Calculator Matters

Extra payments are one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available. Even small additional amounts can save tens of thousands and years of payments.

👤Who Needs This

Homeowners with some extra cash flow, anyone receiving bonuses or tax refunds, or those motivated to become debt-free faster.

🎯Key Insight

Extra payments have the biggest impact early in your loan when more of each payment goes to interest. A $100 extra payment in year 1 saves more than in year 20.

⚠️Common Mistake

Making extra payments to escrow instead of principal. Always specify that additional amounts should go to principal reduction.

Pro Tip

Bi-weekly payments (half your monthly amount every two weeks) results in 13 full payments per year instead of 12, shaving years off your loan with minimal lifestyle impact.

📊Real-World Example

Scenario: $250,000 mortgage at 6.5% for 30 years

Adding $150/month extra to principal

Pays off in 23 years instead of 30. Saves $72,000 in interest.