Joseph buys a Hummer for $59,000, financing it with a five-year 7.60% APR loan paid monthly. He decides to pay an extra $50 per month in addition to his monthly payments. Approximately how long will he take to pay off the loan under these conditions?

57.07 months.

Joseph must decide whether the 57th payment was $1,327, or he can pay a 58th payment of just $92.

Explanation:

The easiest way to calculate a monthly payment is using a payment calculator:

principal = 59,000 n = 60 APR = 7.6%

Monthly payments = $1,185.04

Since Joseph will pay an extra $50 each month, his payment = $1,235.04

By paying that extra amount Joseph will reduce his payments by almost 3 months to 57.07 months

After the 57th payment, Joseph' balance = $91.43, so he can decide to pay a little on the 57th payment or just pay $92 next month.