Common questions

Answers to the most frequent questions about this calculator and the prepay-vs-invest decision.

Should I prepay my home loan or invest in mutual funds?

It depends on three numbers: your loan interest rate, your expected investment return, and how long you plan to hold. As a rule of thumb, if your after-tax XIRR from investments is higher than your loan rate, investing is likely to win — but timing, loan closure, and the compounding of freed cash all matter. This calculator works out the full picture.

What XIRR should I use?

Indian large-cap equity mutual funds have historically delivered 11–14% XIRR over 15-year rolling periods. A conservative assumption for a diversified portfolio is 10–12%. Use 7–8% if you prefer debt/hybrid instruments.

Why is the money the same in both strategies?

To make the comparison fair. Both strategies start with the same lump sum and deploy the same monthly cash (eNACH + extra). Strategy Invest lets the eNACH service the loan and invests the rest; Strategy Prepay throws everything at the loan and invests once it's gone. This isolates the real decision — what's better to do with the same rupee?

Does prepaying save tax?

This version does not model tax benefits (Section 24b interest deduction up to ₹2L, or 80C principal deduction up to ₹1.5L). These can shift the outcome for some income brackets, especially in the early years of the loan. We plan to add this in a future version.

Is this financial advice?

No. This calculator is for educational purposes only. The figures are projections based on your inputs and model assumptions — not a guarantee. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment or prepayment decisions.