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Real Cost Calculator

Discover the TRUE cost of any purchase with financing - not just the sticker price.

See Total Interest

Know exactly what financing costs you

Hours of Work

See how many hours you work to pay it off

Cash Savings

Compare financing vs saving up

See what things really cost

The price tag is not the whole story. This tool shows you the true cost including interest, and how many hours you will work to pay for it.

Try an example:

$
$100$50,000
$/mo
$10$2,000

That is about $1.67/day

0%
0% (Best)35%
Your hourly wage (after tax)
$/hr

Tip: Use your take-home pay, not gross wage

The REAL cost of this purchase

$1,200.00

No interest - you pay exactly the sticker price!

24

months to pay off

$600

per year

60h

1.5 weeks of work

0% APR is a great deal!

Just make sure: (1) the payment fits your budget, (2) there is no deferred interest if you miss a payment, and (3) you are not buying more than you need just because it is 0%.

When to Use This Calculator

Before financing anything

  • Store credit cards and buy now pay later offers
  • Car loans and auto financing
  • Furniture and appliance payment plans
  • Electronics with monthly payments

Smart financing tips

  • 0% APR offers are best - you only pay the sticker price
  • Watch out for deferred interest that kicks in later
  • If APR is over 15%, strongly consider saving up instead
  • Never finance wants - only needs if absolutely necessary