Snowball vs Avalanche
Two proven payoff styles. One focuses on momentum, the other on interest savings.
Motivation & wins
Interest savings
Same total payments
Debt Snowball
Pay extra toward the smallest balance first.
- Quick wins build momentum and confidence.
- Best if you need motivation to stay consistent.
- May pay more interest overall vs avalanche.
Debt Avalanche
Pay extra toward the highest APR first.
- Minimizes total interest paid over time.
- Best if you’re disciplined and focused on math.
- Wins can feel slower early on.
Which should you choose?
If staying motivated is your biggest challenge, snowball often works better. If you’re focused on minimizing interest costs, avalanche is the most efficient.
Both strategies work if you consistently pay the total planned amount each paycheck.