Kevin Tutumbo of Terre Haute, Indiana, has owned his home for 15 years and expects to live in it for a least five more. He originally borrowed $135,000 at 6 percent interest for 30 years to buy the home. He still owes $96,000 on the loan. Interest rates have since fallen to 4.5 percent, and Kevin is considering refinancing the loan for 15 years. He would have to pay 2 points on the new loan with no prepayment penalty on the current loan.

(a) What is Kevin's current monthly payment?

(b) Calculate the monthly payment on the new loan.

(c) Advise Kevin on whether he should refinance his mortgage using the Run the Numbers worksheet, "When You Should Refinance Your Mortgage" on page 289.