Parallel mark

Parallel

Debt vs investing calculator

AssumptionsWhat’s missing?
Strategy comparison
Enter your loan and portfolio assumptions, then pick an investment strategy. Withdrawal strategies are tax-aware (15% capital gains using a pro-rata basis). Payoff triggers when after-tax proceeds cover the remaining balance.

The calculator compares three outcomes using the same assumptions: a standard mortgage, an additional payment strategy that applies surplus cash to principal, and an investing strategy that grows a portfolio under a selected policy. Each path starts with the same loan terms and horizon so you can see how monthly surplus and any one-time lump sum shift payoff time, total paid, and net worth at term. The decision summary surfaces the key metrics, while the chart shows how balances evolve month by month.

Use the presets to explore typical scenarios or tune the inputs to your situation. If you want to understand how the model treats taxes, fees, or home growth, review the assumptions page. When you are ready, compare the outcomes and decide which path aligns with your payoff timeline and long-term net worth goals.

Inputs

Assumptions
Presets
Pick how your investment account is used. “Cover mortgage payments” auto-starts when the portfolio can handle the remaining payments.
Monthly mortgage payment$1,621
Time saved vs standard (additional payment)11 yr 5 mo
Time saved vs additional payment2 yr 5 mo
Out-of-pocket savings vs standard$172,151

Balances over time

Loan balances (standard vs additional payment) and investment balance under the selected policy.

Invest payoff
Additional payment payoff
Standard payoff

Decision summary

At a glance
Payoff time
Standard30 yr
Additional payment18 yr 7 mo
Parallel investing16 yr 2 mo
Total paid
Standard$583,701
Additional payment$472,649
Parallel investing$411,550
Net worth at term
Standard$839,027
Additional payment$839,027
Parallel investing$839,027
Summary: Fastest payoff Additional payment · Highest net worth Parallel investing
Key tradeoff: Extra principal guarantees earlier payoff; investing can increase net worth if returns beat borrowing costs after fees and taxes.

Standard

Loan outcome
Payoff time
30 yr
Loan interest
$263,701
Cash outcome
Total paid (out-of-pocket)
$583,701

Additional payment

Saves 11 yr 5 mo vs standard

Loan outcome
Payoff time
18 yr 7 mo
Loan interest
$152,649
Cash outcome
Total paid (out-of-pocket)
$472,649
Savings vs standard
$111,052

Invest: Pay off when portfolio covers balance

2 yr 5 mo faster vs additional payment

Loan outcome
Payoff time
16 yr 2 mo
Loan interest
$194,640
Cash outcome
Total paid (out-of-pocket)
$411,550
Savings vs standard
$172,151
Capital gains tax paid
$18,568