Snowball vs Debt Avalanche
Learn the Basics

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Getting out of debt can be a daunting task, no matter how much you owe. But, with the right plan, you can get

Getting out of debt can be a daunting task, no matter how much you owe. But, with the right plan, you can get yourself back on track to financial freedom. Two popular methods are the snowball method and the avalanche method. But which one is right for you?

SNOWBALL

The snowball method involves paying off your debts from smallest to largest. Here are the basic steps to get started:

  1. List out all of your debts from smallest to largest.
  2. Make minimum payments on all of your debts except the smallest one.
  3. Use any extra money to pay off the smallest debt.
  4. Once the smallest debt is paid off, take the money that was going towards that debt and use it to pay off the next smallest debt.
  5. Repeat this process until all of your debts are paid off.

While the snowball method may not be the most efficient in terms of interest rate, it can provide a psychological boost by making you feel like you are making progress. By breaking down your debts into smaller, more manageable chunks, you can create a sense of momentum towards becoming debt-free. Remember, getting out of debt takes time and dedication, but with the snowball method, it can be achievable.

AVALANCHE

The avalanche method, on the other hand, involves paying off debts in order of highest interest rate to lowest interest rate, while making minimum payments on other debts. This method can save you more money in the long run, as you tackle the debt with the highest interest first.

Here are some steps to take in order to utilize the avalanche method:

  1. List all debts: Write down all of your debts, including the interest rates and minimum payments. This will help you determine which debt has the highest interest rate.
  2. Allocate extra money: Determine a budget and allocate extra money towards paying off the debt with the highest interest rate while making minimum payments on other debts.
  3. Repeat: Once the first debt is paid off, allocate the extra money towards the next highest interest rate debt. Continue this process until all debts are paid off.

The avalanche method can assist in eliminating debts quicker and with less interest paid overall. It takes discipline, but with a solid plan and commitment, becoming debt-free is achievable.

Ultimately, the right method for you will depend on your personal financial situation and goals. If you need motivation and to see progress quickly, the snowball method might be right for you. If you want to save money over the long term and have the discipline to stick to it, the avalanche method might be the way to go. Regardless of which method you choose, the most important thing is to make a plan and stick to it.

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