Loan Guides
Plain-English explainers with real numbers — the concepts behind the calculators, worked through step by step.
How Much House Can I Afford on My Salary?
The 28/36 rule lenders use, with worked examples for $60K, $80K, and $120K salaries.
Read the guide →15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgage
On a $350K loan the 15-year saves $247,608 in interest — but the higher payment isn't free.
Read the guide →How Much Car Can I Afford?
The 15% rule and the stricter 20/4/10 rule, with real payment and price examples.
Read the guide →How Loan Amortization Works
Why your first mortgage payment is 86% interest — and how $200/month extra saves $108,097.
Read the guide →Debt Avalanche vs Debt Snowball
Avalanche saves $1,093 on $13,000 of debt — but snowball gets you a win in month 11.
Read the guide →How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early
$300/month extra saves $142,994 and 8.25 years — plus biweekly, lump sums, and recasting.
Read the guide →APR vs Interest Rate
Two loans at 6.5% can be $9,000 apart in cost. See what APR reveals that the rate hides.
Read the guide →Do Biweekly Mortgage Payments Save Money?
The free 13th payment per year saves $102,809 — and the DIY version costs nothing.
Read the guide →