Snowball or Avalanche?
Enter your debts and see exactly how many months and how much interest each payoff strategy takes — side by side.
About the book behind this calculator
Mid-Life Money Makeover lays out both strategies side by side: the snowball method knocks out your smallest balance first, using the freed-up minimum payment to build momentum toward the next one — motivating because you see debts disappear fast. The avalanche method instead targets whichever debt carries the highest interest rate, which usually saves more money over the life of your payoff but can mean a longer wait before you close your first account.
The book frames the choice around what keeps you consistent: if watching your debt count shrink quickly is what keeps you going, snowball may serve you better even if it costs a bit more in interest. If the math is what motivates you, avalanche is the more efficient path. And in mid-life specifically, clearing debt faster also frees up more room to catch up on retirement savings.
Enter your own debts below to see exactly how many months and dollars each approach means for you.
View Mid-Life Money Makeover on AmazonWith these numbers, this debt won't be paid off within 50 years. Try increasing your extra payment or check your minimum payments above.
| Avalanche | Snowball | |
|---|---|---|
| Months to debt-free | — | — |
| Total interest paid | — | — |
| First debt gone in | — | — |
Avalanche payoff order
Snowball payoff order
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How these numbers work
Debt avalanche
Every month, your extra payment goes toward whichever debt has the highest interest rate, while every other debt gets its minimum. Mathematically, this minimizes the total interest you pay over the life of your debt.
Debt snowball
Every month, your extra payment goes toward whichever debt has the smallest balance, regardless of interest rate. It usually costs a bit more in interest, but clears individual debts faster, which many people find keeps them motivated to stick with the plan.
How the simulation works
Each month, interest accrues on every debt's balance, minimum payments are applied, and then the extra payment goes to that month's target debt. When a debt is paid off, its minimum payment amount rolls into the extra payment pool for the following month — so your total monthly payment stays constant and speeds up over time.
What this calculator doesn't account for
- Rate changes — we assume each APR stays fixed for the life of the debt. Variable-rate cards and lines of credit can change.
- Fees, promotional rates, and balance transfers — not modeled.
- New debt — the simulation assumes you stop adding new charges and stick to the same extra payment every month.
- This is an educational estimate, not financial advice — consult a financial professional for a plan tailored to your situation.