US guidesPlain-words money answers.

US money guides

Student loans, refinancing, escrow and mortgage payments, worked out with the same engine as our free US tools.

Student loans

Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP): how your payment is worked out

How the federal Repayment Assistance Plan sets your payment from income, a worked table, and how it compares with the 10-year standard plan.

2 min read

Mortgages

When refinancing pays off: closing costs and break-even

How to tell if refinancing your mortgage saves money after closing costs, with a worked example and the break-even rule.

2 min read Mortgages

Extra mortgage payments: how much interest and time you save

How paying extra on your mortgage cuts interest and years, with a worked example and what to tell your servicer.

2 min read Mortgages

Why your escrow payment went up and what to do about it

Why your monthly mortgage payment rose after an escrow analysis, how shortages are spread, and how to check your servicer.

2 min read

Self-employed

Self-employment tax explained: what you owe and what to set aside

How self-employment tax works, the 92.35% rule, how it adds to income tax, and a worked example on $80,000 of profit.

2 min read Self-employed

Quarterly estimated taxes: due dates and how much to pay

When estimated tax payments are due, how much to pay to avoid a penalty, and a worked example.

2 min read

Debt

Debt avalanche or snowball: which clears debt faster and cheaper

The two common ways to pay off several debts, with a worked example showing time and interest for each.

2 min read

Mortgage payments

$150,000 mortgage payment: monthly cost at 5.5% to 7.5%

Monthly principal and interest on a $150,000 mortgage over 30 and 15 years at rates from 5.5% to 7.5%, with the total interest.

2 min read Mortgage payments

$200,000 mortgage payment: monthly cost at 5.5% to 7.5%

Monthly principal and interest on a $200,000 mortgage over 30 and 15 years at rates from 5.5% to 7.5%, with the total interest.

2 min read Mortgage payments

$250,000 mortgage payment: monthly cost at 5.5% to 7.5%

Monthly principal and interest on a $250,000 mortgage over 30 and 15 years at rates from 5.5% to 7.5%, with the total interest.

2 min read Mortgage payments

$300,000 mortgage payment: monthly cost at 5.5% to 7.5%

Monthly principal and interest on a $300,000 mortgage over 30 and 15 years at rates from 5.5% to 7.5%, with the total interest.

2 min read Mortgage payments

$350,000 mortgage payment: monthly cost at 5.5% to 7.5%

Monthly principal and interest on a $350,000 mortgage over 30 and 15 years at rates from 5.5% to 7.5%, with the total interest.

2 min read Mortgage payments

$400,000 mortgage payment: monthly cost at 5.5% to 7.5%

Monthly principal and interest on a $400,000 mortgage over 30 and 15 years at rates from 5.5% to 7.5%, with the total interest.

2 min read Mortgage payments

$500,000 mortgage payment: monthly cost at 5.5% to 7.5%

Monthly principal and interest on a $500,000 mortgage over 30 and 15 years at rates from 5.5% to 7.5%, with the total interest.

2 min read Mortgage payments

$600,000 mortgage payment: monthly cost at 5.5% to 7.5%

Monthly principal and interest on a $600,000 mortgage over 30 and 15 years at rates from 5.5% to 7.5%, with the total interest.

2 min read

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