Choosing Your Battle Plan: Avalanche vs. Snowball
Before you use the calculator below, understand the two most powerful strategies for becoming debt-free.
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The Debt Avalanche
Target: The Highest Interest Rate
In this strategy, you pay the minimum on everything except the debt with the highest interest rate. You focus all extra cash there first.
- Pros: Saves the most money in interest and gets you debt-free the fastest mathematically.
- Cons: Can feel slow if your highest-interest debt is also your largest balance.
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The Debt Snowball
Target: The Smallest Balance
You pay the minimum on everything except the debt with the lowest balance. Once that’s gone, you “roll” that payment into the next smallest.
- Pros: Provides “quick wins” and high psychological motivation to keep going.
- Cons: You will pay more in total interest over the life of your debt.
The Verdict: If you are a “numbers person,” go Avalanche. If you need Motivation to stay the course, go Snowball. Use the tool below to see the exact difference for your situation.
Pro Debt Payoff Strategist
Compare payment plans for 8 debts and choose your path to freedom.
Debt Name
Balance ($)
Rate (%)