The Finance MonkThe Finance Monk

Debt

Debt payoff: snowball vs avalanche

The snowball clears smallest balances first for quick wins; the avalanche targets the highest interest rate to save the most money. Enter your debts and an extra monthly payment to see how they compare.

Your debts
NameBalanceAPR %Min/mo

Snowball (smallest first)

3 yr 1 mo

$3,786 interest paid

Avalanche (highest APR first)

2 yr 11 mo

$3,087 interest paid

Avalanche interest$3,087
Snowball interest$3,786
Difference in interest$698

Avalanche saves the most interest.

Cut the interest while you pay

A 0% balance-transfer card or a lower-rate consolidation loan can stop interest from working against you — so more of every payment clears the balance.

Estimates assume fixed rates and steady payments. If a minimum doesn’t cover monthly interest, payoff stalls — increase the extra payment. Not financial advice.