Which debt should I attack first?

Snowball (smallest balance) versus avalanche (highest rate) — total interest, payoff timeline and which order actually saves more.

Debt 1 — balance ($)

Debt 1 — APR (%)

Debt 2 — balance ($)

Debt 2 — APR (%)

Debt 3 — balance ($)

Debt 3 — APR (%)

Monthly budget for debt ($)

—

Snowball — months & interest

—

Avalanche — months & interest

—

Winner by interest

—

Interest difference

What's the difference between the two strategies?

Snowball pays off the smallest balance first for quick wins and motivation. Avalanche attacks the highest APR first, which is mathematically cheaper. Both pay the same monthly and roll payments forward; only the order differs.

Which should I pick?

Avalanche saves the most money; snowball wins if you need psychological wins to keep going. The tool shows the real gap between them — often it's a few hundred dollars over the whole payoff, occasionally thousands at high-rate cards.

Does the order really matter?

Only through interest. Same total monthly, same timeline to debt-free roughly, but avalanche allocates each extra dollar to the most expensive debt first. When the rates are far apart (28% card vs 6% loan), the gap is real.

Is this advice?

A comparison tool, not advice. It assumes fixed balances and payments, no new charges. If you're deciding on consolidation or negotiating rates, a lender quote beats a simulation.