Interactive Calculator
Debt Payoff Planner
Compare avalanche vs snowball strategies and see how fast you can be debt-free.
Your Debts
Money beyond your minimum payments — goes toward one debt at a time
Total Debt
$45,000
3 debts
Monthly Payment
$975
$775 minimum + $200 extra
Average APR
6.9%
weighted by balance
Avalanche
Highest rate first
Debt-Free In
4.4 years
53 months
Total Interest Paid
$5,755
Attack order:
- 1.Credit Card (22% APR)
- 2.Car Loan (6% APR)
- 3.Student Loan (4.5% APR)
Best for: Mathematically optimal. Saves the most money on interest.
Snowball
Smallest balance first
Debt-Free In
4.4 years
53 months
Total Interest Paid
$5,755
Attack order:
- 1.Credit Card ($5.0K)
- 2.Car Loan ($15.0K)
- 3.Student Loan ($25.0K)
Best for: Psychological wins. Quick victories build momentum.
Which Should You Use?
Choose Avalanche if:
- •You want to save the most money on interest
- •You're motivated by math and optimization
- •You have high-interest debt (credit cards, payday loans)
Choose Snowball if:
- •You need quick wins to stay motivated
- •You have many small debts you want gone
- •Your interest rates are all similar (within 2-3%)
Remember: The best method is the one you'll actually follow. Both work — the difference is a few hundred dollars and a few months. What matters most is that you're making extra payments and staying consistent.