James Whitmore

Why I Built These Calculators

I spent 14 years inside a regional bank's loan department. I processed around 2,400 loan applications. I watched people sign papers they did not understand, pay origination fees they did not know existed, and agree to prepayment penalties that would cost them thousands later.

I was good at my job. I hit my targets. But around 2019, I started keeping a list of every client who came back confused, angry, or worse — broke. The list got long. Too long.

So I quit. I got my independent consultant license and started doing the opposite of what I used to do. Instead of selling loans, I help people understand them before they sign anything.

These calculators are what I wish every client had before walking into my old office. No sign-up. No data collection. Just the math, plain and honest.

Credentials & Experience

What I Actually Do

I live in a 1920s bungalow in Denver with my wife, two kids (8 and 12), and a golden retriever named Cooper who sleeps under my desk while I build these calculators. The bungalow is still being renovated, which is why I know way too much about HELOCs.

I do not sell loans. I do not take referral fees. I do not have partnerships with banks. I just build tools and write about what I learned from 14 years on the inside.

If you want to share your story, email me. I read every one. I might write about it (anonymized, of course).