EastStar

EastStar Learn

Make sense of the numbers.

Clear, practical explanations of debt, payoff planning, and the estimates shown in EastStar.

10 articles

Debt basics

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

APR is a yearly measure of borrowing cost expressed as a percentage. EastStar uses the APR you enter to estimate interest, but its projection does not reproduce every lender calculation.

3-5 min read Reviewed July 13, 2026

Debt basics

Principal

Principal is the amount borrowed or the portion of a debt balance that has not yet been repaid. Reducing principal usually lowers the amount on which future interest is calculated.

3-5 min read Reviewed July 13, 2026

Debt basics

Compound Interest

Compound interest means interest is calculated on principal and previously accumulated interest. Its effect depends on the rate, balance, time, payment activity, and compounding frequency.

3-5 min read Reviewed July 13, 2026

Debt basics

Minimum Payment

A minimum payment is the least amount an account requires by its due date. Paying only that amount can keep an account current while still producing a long payoff period and substantial interest.

3-5 min read Reviewed July 13, 2026

Debt basics

Recurring Expenses

Recurring expenses are costs that repeat on a regular schedule. Recording them consistently helps EastStar estimate how much take-home income remains after expected obligations.

3-5 min read Reviewed July 13, 2026

Payoff planning

Extra Payments

An extra payment is money paid above the required amount. When it reduces principal as intended, it can shorten repayment and lower future interest, subject to lender rules.

3-5 min read Reviewed July 13, 2026

Payoff planning

Debt Avalanche

The debt avalanche directs extra money to the highest-rate debt while minimums continue on all debts. It is designed to reduce the most expensive debt first.

3-5 min read Reviewed July 13, 2026

Payoff planning

Debt-Free Date

A debt-free date is the projected month when modeled debt balances reach zero. It is a planning estimate that moves when balances, rates, payments, or assumptions change.

3-5 min read Reviewed July 13, 2026

Payoff planning

Amortization Schedule

An amortization schedule shows how scheduled loan payments are divided between principal and interest over time. It also tracks the estimated balance remaining after each payment.

3-5 min read Reviewed July 13, 2026

EastStar metrics

Scenario Comparison

A scenario comparison places a hypothetical change beside the saved baseline. It shows how the same planning model responds without claiming that either future will occur.

3-5 min read Reviewed July 13, 2026