Buying Example Disclaimer. This example illustrates one application of the method. The results shown here and the results in your situation may differ. These differences occur for three reasons: (1) Laws vary from state to state, (2) the computer programs used by lenders differ, and (3) the contracts used by lenders differ. In the example, the monthly interest is calculated as 1/12 of the annual interest. Your finance agreement, even if it uses this method, may not work like the one in this example. The example addresses the rebating of interest only, not any other charges that may be included in the loan.

Example: Rule of 78 Method

      Amount financed    $18,800.00
      Term48 months
      APR    9.00%
      Monthly payment$467.84

First payment interest = $3,656.32 × (48 ÷ (1+2+3...48)) = $149.23
First payment principal = $467.84 – $149.23 = $318.61
End of month 1 net loan balance = $18,800.00 – $318.61 = $18,159.68
Second payment interest = $3,656.32 × (47 ÷ (1+2+3...48)) = $146.13
Second payment principal = $467.84 – $146.13 = $321.71
End of month 2 net loan balance = $18,481.39 – $321.71 = $18,159.68
Full-term interest = ($467.84 × 48) – $18,800 = $3,656.32

Additional payments do not reduce the loan balance in the month paid. If an additional $1,000 is paid at the end of the first month, it is treated as prepayment of the monthly payments due at the end of months 2 and 3. If the remaining payments are made on time or within the grace period, there is no savings of the full-term projected interest because the amount of interest in each payment is precomputed. If the loan is prepaid after 24 payments, the balance will be $54.81 higher than it would be under the Constant Yield (Actuarial) method.

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