Crush your debt with Snowball or Avalanche.
Pick the strategy that fits your personality — pay the smallest balance first for quick wins, or attack the highest interest rate first to save the most money. Our calculator runs both in seconds.
Free. No bank login. Your numbers stay private.
Two methods. One goal: debt freedom.
Both strategies use the same "roll-over" principle — when a debt is paid off, that payment gets thrown at the next one. The only difference is the order.
Debt Snowball
Pay off debts smallest balance first. The quick wins build momentum and keep you motivated.
- 1List all debts from smallest to largest balance.
- 2Make minimum payments on everything except the smallest.
- 3Throw every extra dollar at the smallest debt.
- 4Once it is gone, roll that full payment into the next one.
Best for
People who need motivation and visible progress to stay on track.
Debt Avalanche
Pay off debts highest interest rate first. This is the mathematically optimal path — you pay the least interest overall.
- 1List all debts from highest to lowest interest rate.
- 2Make minimum payments on everything except the highest-rate debt.
- 3Throw every extra dollar at the highest-rate debt.
- 4Once it is gone, roll that full payment into the next one.
Best for
People who are disciplined and want to minimize the total interest paid.
Snowball vs. Avalanche at a glance
| ❄️ Snowball | 🏔️ Avalanche | |
|---|---|---|
| Payoff order | Smallest balance first | Highest rate first |
| Interest saved | Good | Best — saves the most |
| Motivation boost | High — quick early wins | Moderate — bigger debts take longer |
| Time to first payoff | Fastest | Depends on your debts |
| Best if you… | Need momentum to stay motivated | Are disciplined and want max savings |
Our calculator shows both methods side by side — including total interest paid, total principal paid, and exactly how much you save switching methods.
The best strategy? The one you stick with.
Personal finance is 80% behavior. The Snowball keeps you motivated with quick wins. The Avalanche saves you more money over time. Either way, the roll-over principle is the engine that gets you out of debt fast.
- ✅ See real progress in weeks, not years
- ✅ Know exactly how much interest you will pay
- ✅ Compare both methods instantly — side by side
- ✅ Free up cash to attack the next debt
Snowball example
Sara has 3 debts. She pays the $400 store card off in 2 months. Then she rolls that payment into her $1,200 credit card. Then into her car loan. By month 18, she is debt free.
Avalanche example
Marcus attacks his 24% credit card first, even though it is not the smallest. He pays $340 less in interest than the Snowball route — and finishes just one month later.
See your numbers in 2 minutes.
Enter your debts once. We will calculate both Snowball and Avalanche instantly — with total interest paid, total principal, and money saved.
Start my free plan →No account needed. No bank login. 100% private.