A tool designed to estimate the repayment schedule of a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), incorporating the impact of payments exceeding the minimum required amount. It allows users to input loan details such as the initial balance, interest rate, and minimum payment, and then simulate the effect of additional contributions toward the principal. For example, a homeowner might use such a tool to determine how quickly they could pay off a $50,000 HELOC with a 6% interest rate by adding an extra $200 to their monthly payment.
The utility of these tools lies in their ability to illustrate the significant time and interest savings that can be achieved through accelerated repayment. This provides borrowers with a clearer understanding of their financial obligations and empowers them to make informed decisions about debt management. Historically, managing a HELOC involved manual calculations or reliance on generic amortization schedules, making it difficult to visualize the specific benefits of increased payments. The availability of online calculators simplifies this process, fostering greater financial literacy and control.