The Choices

Which answer is correct?

Break-even is upfront cost divided by monthly savings.

  1. A 10 months
  2. B 18 months
  3. C 25 months
  4. D 42 months

Answer: C · 25 months

$4,500 divided by $180 equals 25 months. If you sell or refinance again before then, the deal probably loses money.

The money lesson

The break-even is about 25 months: $4,500 in closing costs divided by $180 per month in savings.

This puzzle is designed to make one financial rule easier to remember. Use it as a starting point, then run your own numbers before making a real-world decision.

Use the refinance calculator →