True Cost Calculator

See what a purchase will really cost before it costs you years of freedom — including the work hours and goal delays it represents.

Purchase Details

What are you considering buying?

Purchase Price

Down Payment

Interest Rate (APR) %

Loan Term (years)

Ownership Period (years)

Est. Annual Use

Your Annual Income

Investment Return %

Adjust cost assumptions (defaults based on industry averages)

Insurance / yr

Maintenance / yr

Repairs / yr

Fuel / Utilities / yr

Storage / yr

Registration & Taxes / yr

Depreciation % / yr

True Ownership Cost

Total Ownership Cost

$164,855

Over 10 years of ownership

Estimated Resale Value

$12,473

Net Ownership Cost

$152,382

After resale value

Cost Per Use

$2,540

At 6 uses/year

Min. Uses to Justify

305/yr

At ~$50 per use

Freedom Cost

Work Hours

3,729 hrs

Hours of work to pay for this

Goal Delay

11y 11m

Months your financial goal is pushed back

If Invested Instead

$306,236

After 10 years at 7%

Combined Financial Tradeoff

$458,618

Net cost + foregone investment growth

The OptionalMondays Question

This purchase could delay your financial goals by 11 years and 11 months. The question is not whether you can afford the payment — it is whether this purchase gives you enough life back to justify what it takes from your future.

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Educational purposes only. This calculator provides estimates based on the inputs you provide. Results do not constitute financial, investment, or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

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