(Spoiler: The One You’ll Actually Stick To)
You’ve got debt, and you want it gone. So you search online, ask around, maybe even start a spreadsheet… and then stall out. Sound familiar?
When my clients first come to me, they’re not lacking motivation—they’re overwhelmed by options. Snowball? Avalanche? Balance transfers? What they really want to know is: “What’s actually going to work for me?”
Here’s the truth: the best plan is the one you’ll actually follow through on. Let me break down two tried-and-true methods for you: the debt snowball and the debt avalanche —and how to pick the one that fits you best.
They both work.
They both get the job done.
And they both have pros and cons.
But here’s the real truth: the best strategy is the one you’ll actually follow.
Because just like with dieting, exercising, or organizing your house—if the method doesn’t work for you, it won’t work at all.
Imagine the relief of finally seeing that balance hit zero. That momentum is closer than you think.
Let’s break them down so you can decide what’s right for your personality, your priorities, and your money mindset.
❄️ The Debt Snowball Method: Quick Wins, Big Momentum
This method focuses on paying off your smallest debt first, regardless of interest rate. Once that’s gone, you roll its payment into the next smallest, and so on.
How it works:
You list your debts from smallest balance to largest balance, regardless of interest rate.
You make minimum payments on all your debts except the smallest one.
You throw every extra dollar you can at that smallest balance until it’s gone—then roll that payment into the next smallest one, and so on.
Why people love it:
The debt snowball is all about psychological momentum. You get early wins, fast progress, and a sense of control. Paying off one balance—even a small one—can be incredibly motivating.
Pros:
- Builds confidence quickly
- Great for people who feel overwhelmed or discouraged
- Easy to track and celebrate progress
Cons:
- May not save you the most money long-term if your high-interest debts are larger
🔺 The Debt Avalanche Method: Save the Most Money on Interest
This method focuses on your highest-interest debt first, regardless of balance. Once that’s gone, you move to the next highest rate.
How it works:
You list your debts by interest rate, highest to lowest.
You pay minimums on everything but the highest-interest debt first—then roll your payments downhill once each one is paid off.
Why people love it:
The avalanche method is mathematically efficient. You save more on interest, which means more of your money goes to the principal balance.
Pros:
- Reduces the total amount you’ll pay over time
- Great for people motivated by logic, efficiency, and long-term savings
Cons:
- Can take longer to feel the emotional payoff if the first few balances are large
- May be discouraging if you’re someone who needs quicker wins to stay motivated
🧠 Debt Snowball vs Avalanche: Which Strategy Is Better for You?
Here’s the thing: they both work. You just have to pick the one that works for you.
Behavioral research—and personal experience—tells us that the best debt payoff strategy is the one you’ll follow through on. If you need motivation early, go with snowball. If you’re analytical and can stay disciplined long-term, avalanche might be your fit.
And sometimes? A blended approach works best.
So… Which One Should You Pick?
Ask yourself:
- Do I need early momentum to stay committed? → Snowball might be your best bet.
- Do I like seeing the numbers and saving more in the long run? → Avalanche could be for you.
- Do I need to combine both approaches? → That’s okay, too.
Your debt payoff strategy should match your personality, your priorities, and most importantly—your behavior.
🙋♀️ How a Financial Coach Supports Your Debt Repayment Strategy
No matter how smart your plan is on paper, it’s sticking to it that matters most.
That’s where a financial coach comes in.
Working with a financial coach gives you clarity and accountability.
They don’t just hand you a spreadsheet and send you on your way. A financial coach walks alongside you, step by step, helping you build a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle, income, and goals.
When you work with a financial coach, together you will:
- Create a realistic budget
- Choose a payoff strategy that aligns with your behavior
- Track progress and adjust as life changes
- Celebrate your wins and stay focused on your goals
You don’t need more pressure—you need a plan that fits your life.
And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Ready to Get Serious About Your Debt?
Imagine the relief of having a clear, personalized plan to eliminate your debt. As your financial coach, I’m here to guide you every step of the way toward financial freedom. Together, we’ll create a strategy that works for you!
You don’t have to stay stuck in indecision or overwhelm.
📅 Schedule your free introductory session here, and let’s get your momentum going.
Let’s build a plan that fits your life—and helps you become debt-free for good!