Snowball vs. Avalanche: Which Debt Strategy Wins?

The snowball method pays off your smallest debts first for quick wins and motivation. The avalanche method targets the highest interest rate first to save the most money over time.

Mathematically, the avalanche always saves more. But behaviorally, the snowball keeps many people on track because they see accounts zeroed out quickly.

The best strategy is the one you will stick with. Map out all your balances and rates, pick a lane, and send every spare dollar toward that one debt while making minimum payments elsewhere.