Avalanche saves more money, snowball keeps you motivated

Paying off the highest-interest debt first (avalanche) minimises total interest paid — paying off the smallest balance first (snowball) clears accounts faster and keeps momentum, even though it usually costs more overall.

Why it works

The math strongly favours avalanche, but the psychology of visible progress is a real factor in whether a payoff plan actually gets followed through to the end — the "better" method is the one you’ll stick with.

Do it exactly

Estimate with the rule, then check it against the calculator that models it properly.

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