Debt Snowball vs Avalanche: Which Gets You Debt-Free Faster?
Real head-to-head test with identical debts shows exactly which method saves more money—and which one actually gets normal people to zero without quitting.
Same $32,200 Debts — Two Strategies Battle
| Debt | Balance | Rate | Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | $1,200 | 24.99% | $48 |
| Medical | $3,800 | 0% | $95 |
| Car Loan | $9,200 | 6.9% | $295 |
| Student Loan | $18,000 | 5.3% | $210 |
Extra cash each month: $600
Snowball Run (Smallest First)
Order → Visa → Medical → Car → Student
- Visa dead: month 2 🎉
- Medical dead: month 7 🎉
- Car dead: month 18 🎉
- Student gone: month 33
Done in 33 months | Interest paid: $4,411
Avalanche Run (Highest Rate First)
Order → Visa → Car → Student → Medical
- Visa dead: month 2 🎉
- Next win… month 28 (Car dies)
- Student gone: month 42
- Medical drags to month 47
Done in 47 months | Interest paid: $3,690 (saves $721)
🔥 Hidden truth: Avalanche saves money on paper but loses 14 extra months—and most people quit waiting for the second win.
Real Success Rates
- Snowball finish rate: ~78%
- Avalanche finish rate: ~31%
Quick wins keep you addicted to progress.
Smart Hybrid “Snow-lanche” Trick
List smallest → largest. If two debts are within $500, kill the higher-rate one first. Keeps momentum + shaves extra interest.
Final Scoreboard
| Snowball | Avalanche | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to zero | 33 mo | 47 mo |
| Interest paid | Higher | $721 less |
| Chance you finish | 78% | 31% |
| Emotional wins | 4 | 1 |
Snowball wins for real humans. Avalanche wins spreadsheets.
Pick the one that keeps you attacking tomorrow.
Snowball 🔥 or Avalanche 🥶? Drop your choice below and let’s destroy your debt.
