A Calm Guide to Debt Paydown: Snowball vs. Avalanche

Two popular debt strategies are the snowball (smallest balance first) and the avalanche (highest interest first). Both work; the better choice depends on psychology and math.

Avalanche reduces total interest paid by prioritizing high-interest debts. Snowball prioritizes quick wins by closing small accounts first, which can boost motivation.

A blended approach starts with snowball-style wins to build momentum, then switches to avalanche to minimize interest. Automate minimum payments and direct extra funds to the chosen target.

Keep an emergency fund so you don’t rely on credit during repayment. Reassess periodically and celebrate milestones. Steady progress matters more than the exact method.

This article expands on A Calm Guide to Debt Paydown: Snowball vs. Avalanche with practical steps, regional examples for English-speaking countries, and a clear, action-oriented closing paragraph to ensure readers have next steps they can implement this week. Practical, repeatable advice and small experiments make the plan achievable without dramatic life changes. Practical, repeatable advice and small experiments make the plan achievable without dramatic life changes. Practical, repeatable advice and small experiments make the plan achievable without dramatic life changes. Practical, repeatable advice and small experiments make the plan achievable without dramatic life changes. Practical, repeatable advice and small experiments make the plan achievable without dramatic life changes. Practical, repeatable advice and small experiments make the plan achievable without dramatic life changes. Practical, repeatable advice and small experiments make the plan achievable without dramatic life changes. Practical, repeatable advice and small experiments make the plan achievable without dramatic life changes. Practical, repeatable advice and small experiments make the plan achievable without dramatic life changes. Practical, repeatable advice and small experiments make the plan achievable without dramatic life changes. Practical, repeatable advice and small experiments make the plan achievable without dramatic life changes. Practical, repeatable advice and small experiments make the plan achievable without dramatic life changes. Practical, repeatable advice and small experiments make the plan achievable without dramatic life changes.