Debt Snowball: Best Debt Payoff Method? The TRUTH Revealed! 2022 (2024)

There are a lot of different methods people use when it comes to paying off their debt. Some people prefer the avalanche method, others like the debt snowball method.

What’s the difference between these two? And which one is the best for you? In this blog post, we’ll talk about the debt snowball method in depth and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you!

When dealing with debt, it can feel a little overwhelming. Especially if you are only ever paying the minimum amount due each month, as you won’t ever tackle your debt.

Deciding to tackle your debt head-on is the best way, and let’s take a look at the debt payoff methods available. Keep on reading to find out more…

Debt Snowball: Best Debt Payoff Method? The TRUTH Revealed! 2022 (1)

Table of Contents

What Is The Debt Snowball Method?

The debt snowball method is a debt payoff method where you focus on paying off your smallest debts first, while still making the minimum payments on your bigger debts.

Once your smallest debts are paid off, you “snowball” that money into your next smallest debt, and so on and so forth until all of your debts are gone.

Meaning you’re tackling your personal loans, outstanding debts, credit cards and improving your financial situation.

Why Does The Debt Snowball Method Work?

The debt snowball method works because it helps to keep you motivated. When you see those smaller debts being paid off quickly, it can help encourage you to keep going and pay off the rest of your debt!

How To Do The Debt Snowball Method

Now that we’ve talked about what the debt snowball method is and why it works, let’s go over how to actually do it.

First, you need to list out all of your debts, from smallest to largest. Make sure to include the interest rate, balance, and minimum payment for each debt.

Then, you’ll want to create a budget and make sure you’re still making the minimum payments on all of your debts except for the smallest one. For the smallest debt, you’ll want to pay as much as possible until it’s paid off.

Once that debt is paid off, move on to the next smallest debt and do the same thing! Keep going until all of your debts are gone.

Debt Snowball: Best Debt Payoff Method? The TRUTH Revealed! 2022 (2)

Why You Should Try The Debt Snowball Method

If you’re looking for a way to pay off your debt quickly and stay motivated along the way, the debt snowball method is a great option!

It can help you get out of debt fast and give you the extra boost you need to keep going.

Let’s say you have the following remaining debt:

Debt NameDebt BalanceInterest RateMinimum Payment Due
Credit Card A$50015%$50
Student Loan B$15,0005%$250
Credit Loan C$18,0004%$400

Your minimum payments would be $700 per month. However, with the debt snowball method, you would focus on paying off Credit Card A first.

So, you would make the minimum payment on Student Loan B and Car Loan C ($700 total) and then put any extra money towards Credit Card A.

Once Credit Card debt A is paid off, you would “snowball” that $50 payment into the next smallest debt, which would be Student Loan B.

So now you would be paying $300 towards Student Loan B and $400 towards Car Loan C each month.

You would continue this until all of your debts are paid off!This ‘snowball’ debt repayment method is a great way to pay off debt quickly and stay motivated along the way, whilst paying off each credit card one-by-one.

Debt Snowball: Best Debt Payoff Method? The TRUTH Revealed! 2022 (3)

What is the Debt Avalanche Method?

The debt avalanche methods are a debt payoff method for your outstanding debts where you focus on paying off your debt with the highest interest rate first, while still making the minimum payments on your other debts.

Once that debt is paid off, you “avalanche” that payment into your next highest interest rate debt, and so on and so forth until all of your debts are gone, as a debt consolidation.

Why Does The Debt Avalanche Method Work?

The debt avalanche method works because it saves you money in the long run. By focusing on paying off your high-interest debts first using the minimum monthly payments, you’re able to save money on interest and get out of debt faster!

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Is the Debt Snowball Method Better, or is the Avalanche Method Better?

There is no “right” answer when it comes to the debt snowball method vs. the avalanche method – it all depends on what debt repayment plan works better for you!

If you need a quick win to keep you motivated, the debt snowball effect method might be a better option. However, if you’re looking to save money in the long run, the avalanche method might be a better choice.

Both paying off debt methods can work well – it’s all about finding what works best for you and your situation! Try out both methods and see which one helps you get out of debt faster.

Whichever method you choose, make sure to stick with it until all of your debts are paid off. It’s definitely a good idea to try either method, rather than sticking to your monthly minimum payment plans.

So, what are you waiting for? Give the debt snowball method a try today! You might be surprised at how quickly you can pay off your debt and how good it feels to be debt free, and to start saving money.

Using the debt snowball paying off debt methods, it’ll help you with staying focused and motivated in tackling the outstanding balance you have with your credit financial products, and allow you to achieve financial freedom.

Debt Snowball: Best Debt Payoff Method? The TRUTH Revealed! 2022 (2024)

FAQs

Does the debt snowball really work? ›

With the debt snowball method, you start with your smallest debts and work your way up to the largest ones. While it may not save you as much in interest as other repayment methods, the debt snowball method can keep you motivated to continue paring down your debt.

What best describes the debt snowball method for paying off debt? ›

The "snowball method," simply put, means paying off the smallest of all your loans as quickly as possible. Once that debt is paid, you take the money you were putting toward that payment and roll it onto the next-smallest debt owed.

Which method is best to pay off debt the fastest? ›

The fastest ways to pay off debt
  • Take advantage of debt relief services. ...
  • Reduce interest where possible. ...
  • Focus on your highest interest rate first. ...
  • Take advantage of opportunities to earn extra income. ...
  • Cut expenses where possible.
Mar 11, 2024

How long will it take to pay off $20000 in credit card debt? ›

It will take 47 months to pay off $20,000 with payments of $600 per month, assuming the average credit card APR of around 18%. The time it takes to repay a balance depends on how often you make payments, how big your payments are and what the interest rate charged by the lender is.

Which is better to pay off debt avalanche or snowball? ›

If you're motivated by saving as much money as possible down to the last penny, you'll probably prefer the “avalanche” method. On the other hand, if getting a quick win right off the bat encourages you to keep moving forward, then the “snowball” method will likely motivate you the most.

How to get out of $10,000 debt fast? ›

7 ways to pay off $10,000 in credit card debt
  1. Opt for debt relief. One powerful approach to managing and reducing your credit card debt is with the help of debt relief companies. ...
  2. Use the snowball or avalanche method. ...
  3. Find ways to increase your income. ...
  4. Cut unnecessary expenses. ...
  5. Seek credit counseling. ...
  6. Use financial windfalls.
Feb 15, 2024

What are the 3 biggest strategies for paying down debt? ›

What's the best way to pay off debt?
  • The snowball method. Pay the smallest debt as fast as possible. Pay minimums on all other debt. Then pay that extra toward the next largest debt. ...
  • Debt avalanche. Pay the largest or highest interest rate debt as fast as possible. Pay minimums on all other debt. ...
  • Debt consolidation.
Aug 8, 2023

What are some disadvantages of the snowball method of eliminating debt? ›

Cons
  • Less interest savings: The debt snowball method doesn't consider interest rates; it focuses on each debt's balance. ...
  • Other factors may take precedence: Similar to the debt avalanche method, the debt snowball may not take into account other reasons you could want to pay off certain debts earlier than others.
Dec 19, 2023

Is stacking debt the same as snowball? ›

The stacking method works the same way as the snowball method, but you prioritize your debts differently in this method. Rather than listing them from smallest to largest, list them from highest interest rate to lowest interest rate regardless of the dollar amount. You then pay each as described in the snowball method.

Does debt relief destroy your credit? ›

However, this does not influence our evaluations. Debt relief won't hurt your credit alone. However, closing your oldest accounts can drastically lower your standing.

Is there really debt relief programs? ›

Debt relief through debt settlement

Debt settlement is a last resort for those who face overwhelming debt but cannot qualify for bankruptcy or simply don't want to file bankruptcy. Debt settlement companies typically ask you to stop paying accounts you enroll in the plan and instead put the money in an escrow account.

How much will my credit score go up if I pay off all my debt? ›

If you're close to maxing out your credit cards, your credit score could jump 10 points or more when you pay off credit card balances completely. If you haven't used most of your available credit, you might only gain a few points when you pay off credit card debt. Yes, even if you pay off the cards entirely.

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