What is the Debt Avalanche method?

The Debt Avalanche method prioritizes paying off debts with the highest interest rates first, while making minimum payments on all other debts. Once the highest-rate debt is paid off, you roll that payment into attacking the next highest-rate debt. This method minimizes total interest paid and is mathematically optimal.

What is the Debt Snowball method?

The Debt Snowball method prioritizes paying off the smallest balance debts first, regardless of interest rate. This creates quick psychological wins that can build momentum and motivation. While you may pay slightly more in interest, the behavioral benefits often help people stick with their debt payoff plan.

Which debt payoff method should I choose?

If you're motivated by math and saving money, choose Avalanche. If you need quick wins to stay motivated, choose Snowball. Our calculator shows you exactly how much each method costs so you can make an informed decision. Some people even switch between methods as their situation changes.

What is payment rolling?

Payment rolling (or debt stacking) is when you take the monthly payment from a paid-off debt and add it to your payment for the next debt in line. This accelerates your payoff over time because your effective payment grows as each debt is eliminated.

How accurate are debt payoff calculations?

Our calculations assume fixed interest rates and consistent monthly payments. In reality, credit card rates can change, and you might make extra payments some months. Use these projections as a planning tool and roadmap, not as a guarantee.

What if I can only afford minimum payments?

Even with minimum payments only, having a strategy helps. The calculator shows your projected timeline. If it seems too long, look for ways to reduce expenses or increase income to add even $25-50 extra per month. Small amounts compound significantly over time.

Free Debt Payoff Calculator - Avalanche vs Snowball

Choose Strategy

Avalanche

Pay highest interest rate first. Mathematically saves the most money.

Int: $1,366•2 yrs, 2 mos

Snowball

Quick Wins

Pay smallest balance first. Builds momentum with quick wins.

Int: $1,366•2 yrs, 2 mos

Extra Monthly Payment$100

NameBalanceAPRMin Pay

Name

Balance

APR

Min Pay

Debt-Free By

AUG2028

Total Interest$1,366

Monthly PMT$250

Interest Saved$1,67827 months faster

Payoff Timeline

Payoff Timeline
Series	Label	Value
Credit Card	Jun 2026	$5,000
Credit Card	Jul 2026	$4,846
Credit Card	Aug 2026	$4,689
Credit Card	Sep 2026	$4,528
Credit Card	Oct 2026	$4,365
Credit Card	Nov 2026	$4,199
Credit Card	Dec 2026	$4,029
Credit Card	Jan 2027	$3,856
Credit Card	Feb 2027	$3,680
Credit Card	Mar 2027	$3,501
Credit Card	Apr 2027	$3,318
Credit Card	May 2027	$3,132
Credit Card	Jun 2027	$2,942
Credit Card	Jul 2027	$2,748
Credit Card	Aug 2027	$2,551
Credit Card	Sep 2027	$2,349
Credit Card	Oct 2027	$2,144
Credit Card	Nov 2027	$1,935
Credit Card	Dec 2027	$1,723
Credit Card	Jan 2028	$1,506
Credit Card	Feb 2028	$1,284
Credit Card	Mar 2028	$1,059
Credit Card	Apr 2028	$829
Credit Card	May 2028	$595
Credit Card	Jun 2028	$357
Credit Card	Jul 2028	$113
Credit Card	Aug 2028	$0
Min Payment Only	Jun 2026	$5,000
Min Payment Only	Jul 2026	$4,946
Min Payment Only	Aug 2026	$4,891
Min Payment Only	Sep 2026	$4,834
Min Payment Only	Oct 2026	$4,777
Min Payment Only	Nov 2026	$4,718
Min Payment Only	Dec 2026	$4,659
Min Payment Only	Jan 2027	$4,598
Min Payment Only	Feb 2027	$4,536
Min Payment Only	Mar 2027	$4,473
Min Payment Only	Apr 2027	$4,409
Min Payment Only	May 2027	$4,343
Min Payment Only	Jun 2027	$4,276
Min Payment Only	Jul 2027	$4,208
Min Payment Only	Aug 2027	$4,139
Min Payment Only	Sep 2027	$4,068
Min Payment Only	Oct 2027	$3,996
Min Payment Only	Nov 2027	$3,923
Min Payment Only	Dec 2027	$3,848
Min Payment Only	Jan 2028	$3,772
Min Payment Only	Feb 2028	$3,694
Min Payment Only	Mar 2028	$3,615
Min Payment Only	Apr 2028	$3,534
Min Payment Only	May 2028	$3,452
Min Payment Only	Jun 2028	$3,368
Min Payment Only	Jul 2028	$3,282
Min Payment Only	Aug 2028	$3,195
Min Payment Only	Sep 2028	$3,106
Min Payment Only	Oct 2028	$3,016
Min Payment Only	Nov 2028	$2,924
Min Payment Only	Dec 2028	$2,830
Min Payment Only	Jan 2029	$2,734
Min Payment Only	Feb 2029	$2,636
Min Payment Only	Mar 2029	$2,537
Min Payment Only	Apr 2029	$2,435
Min Payment Only	May 2029	$2,332
Min Payment Only	Jun 2029	$2,227
Min Payment Only	Jul 2029	$2,119
Min Payment Only	Aug 2029	$2,010
Min Payment Only	Sep 2029	$1,898
Min Payment Only	Oct 2029	$1,785
Min Payment Only	Nov 2029	$1,669
Min Payment Only	Dec 2029	$1,551
Min Payment Only	Jan 2030	$1,431
Min Payment Only	Feb 2030	$1,308
Min Payment Only	Mar 2030	$1,183
Min Payment Only	Apr 2030	$1,056
Min Payment Only	May 2030	$926
Min Payment Only	Jun 2030	$794
Min Payment Only	Jul 2030	$659
Min Payment Only	Aug 2030	$522
Min Payment Only	Sep 2030	$382
Min Payment Only	Oct 2030	$239
Min Payment Only	Nov 2030	$0

$3.15Daily interest

Aug 2028First debt gone

$1,366Total interest

Want to see every payment?

The app tracks it all for you.

FinPal app showing detailed debt breakdown

Understanding Debt Payoff Strategies

Learn more about the methods behind the math

Debt Avalanche

Attack your highest interest rate debt first. Like an avalanche gaining momentum, you knock out expensive debts quickly, saving maximum money on interest. Best for disciplined savers who want to minimize total cost.

Minimizes total interest paid
Mathematically optimal
Best long-term savings

Debt Snowball

Start with your smallest balance, regardless of interest rate. Each debt you eliminate builds psychological momentum, like a snowball rolling downhill. Best for those who need motivation and quick wins.

Quick psychological wins
Builds motivation
Higher completion rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Results are projections based on the information you provide. Actual results may vary. Consult with a qualified financial advisor for personalized guidance.

Debt Payoff Calculator