Should I use avalanche or snowball?
Avalanche targets the highest rate and generally minimizes interest. Snowball targets the smallest balance and may create faster behavioral wins. Use the strategy you can execute without adding new debt.
LEVEL 100 · PRE-FLIGHT
Debt Payoff Calculator
Find the payoff timeline for one debt, then save a payment plan you can return to.
Several debts? Compare payoff orders →
READY WHEN YOU ARE—
Review the inputs, then select Calculate.
HOW TO USE THE RESULT
What controls the debt payoff date
The balance, annual percentage rate, and monthly payment drive the result. Interest is charged before the rest of the payment reduces principal. If the payment does not exceed monthly interest, the balance will not fall as modeled and the repayment plan needs a different payment or rate.
Should every spare dollar go to debt?
Not if doing so leaves no buffer for the next predictable emergency. A starter reserve can prevent the payoff plan from collapsing back onto a credit card.
What changes after one debt is paid?
Roll the entire former payment into the next target. Keeping the total monthly debt budget constant is what creates acceleration.