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Guides

Plain-English explainers on the math, rules, and strategies behind every CalcProLabs calculator.

real-estate

Reverse Mortgages: 7 Things Lenders Don't Want You to Misunderstand

Reverse mortgages (HECMs) have a complicated reputation. Here are the seven realities seniors should know before signing.

7 minRead guide
finance

Amazon FBA Pricing: Hit Your Real Margins, Not the Dashboard Ones

Amazon's built-in profit estimates miss several costs. Here's the full math you need to price products that actually make money.

6 minRead guide
real-estate

When to Refinance Your Mortgage (and When Not To)

The "rate dropped 0.5%" rule is incomplete. The real test: do you stay long enough to recoup the closing costs?

5 minRead guide
real-estate

Cap Rate vs. Cash on Cash: Which Metric Should You Trust?

The two most-cited real estate investment metrics measure different things. Use both — and know which one matters when.

5 minRead guide
finance

Roth vs. Traditional IRA: Which Wins for You?

A decision framework, not a one-size-fits-all answer. When Roth wins, when Traditional wins, and the situations where the answer flips.

6 minRead guide
real-estate

PMI Explained: When You Pay It, How Much, and How to Cancel

Private mortgage insurance costs hundreds per month. Here is exactly when lenders require it, what determines the cost, and how to get rid of it ASAP.

4 minRead guide
finance

S-Corp Reasonable Salary: The IRS Rules in Plain English

How the IRS decides what 'reasonable compensation' means for S-Corp owners, the factors they audit on, and how to defend your number.

7 minRead guide
finance

The HSA Triple Tax Advantage Explained

How the only triple-tax-advantaged account in the US tax code works, who qualifies, and how to use it as a stealth retirement vehicle.

5 minRead guide
legal

Workers' Comp Settlement Guide: What to Expect by State

Understand how workers' compensation settlements are calculated, what factors drive value, and when to accept or negotiate.

8 minRead guide
finance

How to Calculate Compound Interest (With Examples)

Learn the compound interest formula, see worked examples for monthly and daily compounding, and understand why time matters more than rate.

6 minRead guide