Understanding Loan Refinancing
Refinancing a loan means paying off an existing debt by taking out a new loan with different terms. The primary goals are to reduce the monthly payment, lower the total interest paid, or change the loan's duration. In 2026, with potential economic shifts, analyzing refinancing options with precise tools is crucial for optimal financial health.
Real-World Use Cases
Sarah has a 30-year mortgage of $300,000 at 6.8% with 22 years remaining. Her current payment is $2,046. She finds a new loan at 4.5% for 20 years. Our calculator shows her new payment would be $1,897, saving $149 monthly. The $6,000 in closing costs are recovered in just over 40 months. This improves her monthly budget significantly.
Mike has a $25,000 auto loan at 8.5% for 5 years (remaining 4 years). He can refinance to 5.5% for 3 years. Although his monthly payment increases slightly, the calculator reveals he will save over $1,200 in total interest and own the car a year sooner, making it a smart long-term move.
The Mathematical Formula
The core of this calculator is the EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) formula, applied to both the current and proposed loan scenarios to compare results.
EMI = [P * r * (1+r)^n] / [(1+r)^n - 1]
// Where:
P = Principal Loan Amount (Current Balance)
r = Monthly Interest Rate (Annual Rate / 12 / 100)
n = Total Number of Monthly Payments (Term in Years * 12)
// Break-even Formula:
Break-even (Months) = Total Refinancing Costs / (Current EMI - New EMI)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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