Debt Elimination Series
Debt · Methods
Snowball vs Avalanche —
Pick the One You'll Finish
Two methods, same goal: eliminate debt. The Avalanche saves you more money mathematically. The Snowball gives you more wins along the way. The method you actually stick with beats the method that's slightly optimal on paper.
Snowball Method
Smallest balance first
List debts smallest to largest. Pay minimums on all but the smallest. Throw every extra dollar at the smallest until it's gone. Roll its payment into the next smallest. Repeat. Quick wins build momentum.
Best for
People who lose motivation easily, have several small debts, or have failed at the avalanche method before.
Avalanche Method
Highest interest first
List debts highest interest rate to lowest. Pay minimums on all but the highest-rate one. Attack the highest rate until it's gone. Roll the payment forward. Mathematically optimal — saves the most interest.
Best for
People who are math-driven, can stay patient through the early grind, and want maximum dollars saved.
The hybrid approach
Some people start with the snowball — pay off a few small debts for the psychological win — then switch to avalanche once they have momentum. This often works better than either pure method. The point isn't purity. It's finishing.
Build your specific plan
We'll list your actual debts, model both methods with your actual rates and balances, and show you the date each debt clears.
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