For many, finance-related questions and concerns may be a sensitive topic. They may even be a cause for embarrassment. However, thanks to technology, there are several new ways to make this contentious topic more accessible, relatable, and approachable. Loan payoff calculators are but one example of this.
Have you ever found yourself wanting to find out if you qualify for a loan? Loan payoff calculators can do just that. They can illustrate the amounts you need to pay on a monthly basis, together with your viability for qualifying and affording to take out a loan depending on your income and other common expenses.
There are different computations for each kind of loan. Understanding their differences may help you comprehend the breakdown of numbers, and decide which type of calculator to use.
Deferred payment loans are those that require you to pay off a lump sum that is due when it matures. This includes all principal and interest. Short-term and commercial loans qualify as deferred payment loans. Loan calculators will ask you to put in the loan’s term and amount, followed by the interest and compound rate.
An amortized loan consists of fixed payments that are paid off periodically until a loan matures. Consumer loans such as the following are usually classified as amortized loans:
These loans require consistent payments until the loan is amortized uniformly and is fully paid off. Payments are for both its principal and interest accrued. Loan calculators for amortized loans will usually ask you to plug in the loan’s amount and terms.
You will have to input its interest rate and compound, whether this is annual, semi-annually, quarterly, monthly, and so on. You can also adjust the frequency by which you intend to pay back the amortized loan.
As there are several kinds of amortized loans, looking for a specific calculator that is customized for each type can give you a more accurate picture. For example, mortgage calculators will also require that you put in both the home price and down payment, as well as your credit rating.
Personal loan calculators, on the other hand, might ask you to specify your loan purpose–-whether for debt consolidation, credit card refinancing, home improvements, and the like, in addition to your zip code to factor in taxes.
Bonds are slightly different compared to the two previous loan types. They may be thought of as a form of a loan, but are different in that they maintain that borrowers pay back a predetermined amount which will be due when the loan matures.
When bonds are issued, values could rise and fall depending on external factors such as the market, fluctuating interest rates, among many others. In effect, the bond’s market price can also change during its lifetime.
Bond calculators can tell you what the initial value of the bond is, which is based on a predetermined face value paid when it matures. As such, you plug in the predetermined amount due instead of just the loan amount, followed by its terms, as well as its interest and compound rates. You also include the annual coupon payment, annual yield, and the years until maturity.
While loan payoff calculators may not be the answer to all of your questions, they are a great place to start. Loan payoff calculators give you a clearer idea of your financial picture, equipping you with the information you need prior to consulting professionals. Having a grasp on some of the numbers can prepare you to find the best deals and the lenders who can address your needs best.
Does the concept of a loan still scare you? Any Credit has an entire section dedicated to the topic, to help you ease into the idea and have the confidence that you can pay one off. Check out the rest of AnyCredit’s blogs today!
