Add all your debts and compare Avalanche vs. Snowball strategies. See your exact debt-free date, total interest paid, and how extra payments accelerate your freedom.
➕ Add a Debt
📋 Your Debts
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⚙️ Payoff Settings
Avalanche: Pay highest-interest debt first. Saves the most money mathematically.
Extra payments dramatically accelerate your debt-free date
📊 Payoff Summary
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Time to Debt-Free
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Total Debt
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Total Interest Paid
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Your Monthly Payment
👆 Add debts on the left to see your payoff plan
🔄 Strategy Comparison
🏔️ AVALANCHE
Targets highest-interest debt first. Mathematically optimal — saves the most money. Takes discipline because you may not see quick wins.
❄️ SNOWBALL
Targets smallest balance first. Psychologically powerful — quick wins keep you motivated. May cost slightly more in interest.
💡 Our Recommendation
If you've struggled with debt payoff before, start with Snowball for the motivational boost. If you're disciplined and have high-APR debt (credit cards), Avalanche saves more money. Either strategy beats the minimum payment trap.
⚡ Power of Extra Payments
Even small additional payments make a dramatic difference. Here's why:
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$50 Extra/Month
On a $10,000 / 20% APR card → saves ~$2,400 in interest
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$200 Extra/Month
On a $10,000 / 20% APR card → saves ~$4,800 in interest
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Freed minimum payments
When one debt is paid off, roll its payment into the next debt
❓ FAQ
Debt Payoff Questions Answered
Mathematically, the avalanche method (highest interest first) saves more money. But research shows that people who use the snowball method are more likely to actually follow through because they see quick wins. The best strategy is the one you'll stick to.
The general rule: if the debt interest rate is higher than your expected investment return (~7%), pay off debt first. Always capture your 401(k) employer match first — it's a guaranteed 50-100% return. After that: emergency fund, then high-interest debt, then investing.
Common sources: (1) Cancel unused subscriptions, (2) Reduce dining out by cooking at home, (3) Sell items you don't use, (4) Take on a side hustle or overtime, (5) Use tax refunds and bonuses entirely for debt, (6) Negotiate lower interest rates directly with your lenders.
List all debts from highest to lowest interest rate. Pay the minimum on all debts. Direct every extra dollar to the highest-rate debt. Once it's paid off, take that payment and add it to the next highest-rate debt. This "snowballs" payments so each debt is paid off faster and faster.