Debt Snowball vs Avalanche: Which Strategy Wins for You?

Two popular methods dominate debt payoff: the snowball and the avalanche. Both can work. The right choice is the one you will stick with long enough to finish.

Snowball orders debts from smallest balance to largest. You pay minimums on all, then attack the smallest with every extra pound. Each quick win gives motivation and momentum. The downside is potential extra interest if your smallest balances are not your highest rates.

Avalanche orders by interest rate from highest to lowest. This is mathematically optimal—you minimize interest paid and finish sooner if behavior is equal. The trade‑off is that early wins can be slower if your highest‑rate balance is also your largest.

How to choose: if motivation is fragile or you have a history of stopping early, pick snowball. If you are disciplined and numbers keep you engaged, pick avalanche. You can also blend: begin with snowball for two quick wins, then switch to avalanche to finish efficiently.

Whichever you choose, automate payments the day after payday, keep a small emergency buffer to avoid new debt, and celebrate milestones. The best plan is the one you can keep doing when life gets messy.