Debt balances organized into a payoff plan

Debt • ~6 min

Choose between debt snowball and avalanche

Compare fastest-balance wins with highest-interest savings, then pick the method you can follow.

Compare fastest-balance wins with highest-interest savings, then pick the method you can follow.

Why it matters

Both methods require minimum payments on every debt and one clearly identified extra-payment target.

What to focus on

Protect every minimum payment
Target one balance
Roll payments forward

ExampleA hybrid plan might clear a $250 balance first, then switch to the highest-rate card.

Put it into practice

List balance, APR, and minimum
Choose the first target
Automate minimums

Write down one decision and schedule a short review. Small, repeatable steps are easier to maintain than a one-time overhaul.

Educational information only. Money in Reach does not provide financial, investment, tax, insurance, credit, mortgage, or legal advice.

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Related Debt articles

Build a complete debt inventoryPut every balance, rate, payment, due date, and status in one place before making a payoff decision.Prioritize high-interest debt without ignoring cash flowExpensive balances can grow quickly, but the plan must still protect essentials and a small emergency cushion.Evaluate debt consolidation carefullyA lower payment can come from a lower rate, a longer term, or both; only one necessarily reduces cost.