How to use it
- Use the formula below with your own figures.
The formula
Pay smallest balances first for momentum.
Worked example
Clearing a small card first frees its payment to attack the next debt.
Frequently asked questions
Snowball vs avalanche?
Snowball targets small balances; avalanche targets high rates.
Which is faster?
Avalanche saves more interest; snowball can be easier to stick with.
Tips
- Pay more than the minimum — it changes payoff dramatically.
- Attack the highest-rate balance first to save the most.
- Stop adding new charges while you pay debt down.
Key terms
- Minimum payment
- The smallest amount due each period.
- Utilization
- Balances divided by credit limits.
- Consolidation
- Combining debts into one loan.