Avalanche vs snowball: which saves more?
Same three debts (Store card $900 @ 27%, Credit card $4,200 @ 24.9%, Car loan $9,500 @ 7.5%) with $150 extra each month:
| Debt-free in | Total interest | |
|---|---|---|
| Avalanche | 2 years 7 months | $2,438 |
| Snowball | 2 years 7 months | $2,438 |
The avalanche always costs the least interest. The gap is often small, though, especially when your smallest debts also carry high APRs. If quick wins keep you going, the snowball can be worth the difference. Test your own debts above.
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Spreadsheet with up to 10 debts, snowball/avalanche switch, debt-free date, charts, and printable trackers. Works in Excel and Google Sheets.
Not financial advice. These tools are for planning only. Numbers are illustrative; your lender's statements control.