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Debt Paydown Methods
Two popular methods—avalanche and snowball—both funnel extra money toward one target at a time. The best method is the one you follow.
Avalanche (highest APR first)
Pay minimums on everything, then put every extra dollar toward the balance with the highest interest rate.
Mathematically, this usually minimizes interest paid and can shorten the payoff timeline.
Snowball (smallest balance first)
Pay minimums on everything, then attack the smallest balance first. When it is gone, roll that payment to the next smallest.
The win from closing an account can build momentum, which matters if motivation has been the weak link.
Hybrid and guardrails
Some people avalanche high-rate cards but snowball small nuisance balances under a few hundred dollars.
Pause extra paydown if you lack a small emergency fund—otherwise new charges land back on the card at high APR.