Your path to zero debt — visualized
Enter each debt below. We've pre-filled some examples — edit or remove them.
How much extra can you put toward debt each month? Move the slider and watch your debt-free date change.
Three strategies compared side by side. The winner is highlighted.
See how much you could save by transferring a debt to a 0% APR balance transfer card. This is a "what-if" simulation — it won't change your main plan.
Watch your debts shrink over time. Switch between strategies to compare.
Personalized tips based on your debt profile.
The debt snowball method is a debt repayment strategy popularized by financial expert Dave Ramsey. Here's how it works: you make minimum payments on all your debts, then put any extra money toward the debt with the smallest balance. Once that smallest debt is paid off, you take the money you were putting toward it (minimum + extra) and apply it to the next smallest balance. This creates a "snowball" effect — as each debt is eliminated, the amount you can put toward the next one grows larger and larger.
The snowball method is psychologically powerful. Getting quick wins by eliminating small debts early builds momentum and motivation, which helps you stay committed to your payoff plan. Studies have shown that people using the snowball method are more likely to stick with their debt repayment plan because they see tangible progress faster.
The debt avalanche method (also called debt stacking) takes a more mathematical approach. Instead of targeting the smallest balance, you direct all extra payments to the debt with the highest interest rate. Once that's paid off, you move to the next highest rate. This strategy is mathematically optimal — it minimizes the total interest you'll pay over the life of your debts.
The avalanche method can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars compared to the snowball method, especially when you have high-interest credit card debt. The tradeoff is that it may take longer to see your first debt fully paid off, which can feel discouraging for some people.
The honest answer: the best method is the one you'll actually stick with. If you need quick wins to stay motivated, the snowball method might be your best bet. If you're disciplined and want to minimize total cost, the avalanche method is the clear winner. Use our free Debt Payoff Planner above to compare both strategies with your actual numbers — seeing the difference in black and white often makes the decision easy.
Many financial advisors recommend a hybrid approach: use the snowball method for smaller debts to build momentum, then switch to avalanche for larger balances. Or simply pick one and commit. The most important thing is to start paying more than the minimum — even an extra $50/month can shave months or years off your debt-free date.
Want to learn more? Read our guide on BNPL vs credit card costs to understand how different payment methods affect your overall debt, or check out the best 0% APR credit cards for balance transfer opportunities.