More in Debt & Purchase
What this calculator does
This calculator makes one comparison: what you spend on wants this month versus the interest you pay the bank to hold your debt. It is designed to be uncomfortable.
The math
Monthly credit card interest = balance × APR ÷ 12. The verdict compares monthly wants to monthly interest.
Worked example
Spending $400 on wants while carrying $3,000 at 24.99% APR means you pay about $62 in interest. The calculator shows that side by side.
Why this matters
Most people underestimate the cost of small interest and fee decisions. This calculator turns the hidden math into a number you can act on today.
Methodology and transparency
This page publishes the exact formula used to compute the result, so you can verify it in a spreadsheet or check the assumptions against your own situation. The worked example uses the tool default inputs; change any number and the result updates live in your browser. No data is sent or stored.
Common questions
Why only compare to interest?
Because interest is the cost of carrying the debt. If your wants cost more than the interest, you could have wiped out the interest and then some.
What counts as wants?
Anything discretionary: dining out, entertainment, shopping, subscriptions, hobbies, anything you could skip this month.
What should I do if wants exceed interest?
Redirect the wants money to the debt for one month. It is the fastest way to see the debt shrink.