Debt vs Invest Calculator Excel | Pay Off Debt or Invest Decision Tool | 5-Year Net Worth Comparison Spreadsheet with Break-Even Rate

Seller's description

The Kollaz Debt vs Invest Calculator is an Excel workbook that settles whether your extra dollars should kill debt or go into investments, comparing both options over 5 years of net worth. Enter your debt balance, APR, expected return, and monthly extra, and get a plain-English verdict plus your break-even debt APR: the exact rate where investing starts to win.

This is for someone torn between paying off debt and investing who needs the break-even math for their specific debts and expected returns.

Should your extra dollars kill your debt first, or go straight into investments? Get the answer in 60 seconds.

Enter 4 numbers (your debt balance, your debt APR, the investment return you expect, and your extra dollars per month), and this Excel workbook gives you a plain-English verdict: "Pay the debt first", "Invest the difference", or "It's close: either is fine."

What's inside (3 tabs)
- Cover: how it works + every assumption stated openly (see below)
- Inputs: 4 simple cells; everything recalculates instantly
- Verdict Dashboard: your verdict, debt-free month, 5-year net worth for both plans, the dollar advantage, your break-even debt APR, a 5-year side-by-side projection table, and a net-worth comparison chart

Why the break-even rate matters
Above your break-even rate, killing the debt wins. Below it, investing wins. The workbook shows you exactly where your line is. For the sample scenario ($10,000 at 19% APR, 7% expected return, $500/mo), the answer is "Pay the debt first," $3,266 ahead after 5 years.

Honest math: assumptions stated openly
- Your expected return is YOUR assumption: returns are never guaranteed, and this workbook never promises investment outcomes.
- Taxes are ignored (no interest deduction, no tax on gains): a simplified, apples-to-apples comparison.
- Your regular budget is assumed to already cover minimum debt payments; the workbook compares what to do with the EXTRA dollars on top.
- The debt-first plan assumes you keep investing the freed-up payments once the debt is gone (instead of spending them).
- "It's close" means the 5-year gap is under $250 or 5%: either choice is fine.
- Educational tool only: not financial, tax, or investment advice.

Compatibility
Excel .xlsx, no macros. Tested working in Microsoft Excel (desktop + web) and Google Sheets. No macros, no add-ins, nothing to install.

Try the live demo (view-only sample): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dWlHvVzFxqEgV0yNG5dFAFqI0XCo-m3z/view?usp=sharing

What you get
Instant download: the Debt vs Invest Decision Calculator workbook (.xlsx). Created with AI assistance. From Kollaz: smart financial tools for modern money.

Should I pay off debt or invest my extra money?
Enter 4 numbers (debt balance, debt APR, expected investment return, and extra dollars per month), and the workbook gives you a plain-English verdict in 60 seconds: "Pay the debt first", "Invest the difference", or "It's close: either is fine."

What is a break-even debt APR?
It's the exact interest rate where killing the debt and investing come out equal. Above your break-even rate, paying the debt wins; below it, investing wins. The workbook shows you exactly where your line is.

How long does the comparison cover?
A full 5-year side-by-side projection: net worth under both plans, the dollar advantage, your debt-free month, and a net-worth comparison chart.

Is the math honest about what it assumes?
Yes: every assumption is stated openly on the Cover tab. Your expected return is YOUR assumption (never guaranteed), taxes are ignored for an apples-to-apples comparison, and minimum payments are assumed covered by your regular budget.

Q: What does "It's close" mean?
A: The 5-year gap is under $250 or 5%: either choice is fine.

Q: Does it promise investment returns?
A: No: the workbook never promises investment outcomes. Your expected return is your own assumption; returns are never guaranteed.

Q: What if I have taxes on my investments or deductible interest?
A: Taxes are ignored in both plans (a simplified apples-to-apples comparison). It's an educational tool, not financial, tax, or investment advice.

Q: Why does the debt-first plan assume I keep investing later?
A: Because the fair comparison keeps investing the freed-up payments once the debt is gone, instead of spending them.

Format: Excel .xlsx workbook (no macros, no add-ins, nothing to install)
Tabs: 3: Cover (how it works + all assumptions), Inputs (4 cells), Verdict Dashboard (verdict, debt-free month, 5-year net worth both plans, dollar advantage, break-even APR, 5-year projection table, net-worth chart)
Inputs: debt balance, debt APR, expected investment return, extra dollars per month
Compatibility: Microsoft Excel (desktop + web) and Google Sheets
Maker: Kollaz: Smart financial tools for modern money
Delivery: instant digital download