Two Popular Debt Strategies — Which One Fits Your Journey?

When you’re working to pay off debt, having a strategy can help you stay focused and motivated. Two of the most popular debt repayment methods are the debt snowball and the debt avalanche. Both can help you make real progress, but they work in different ways.

Let’s break them down so you can decide which one fits your life, your mindset, and your financial goals.

What is the Debt Snowball Method?

The debt snowball method focuses on paying off your smallest debt first while making minimum payments on everything else. Once the smallest debt is gone, you roll that payment into the next smallest debt — and so on.

Benefits of the Debt Snowball:

• Quick wins that build momentum

• Encouragement from seeing debts disappear faster

• Simpler to manage

Things to Consider:

• May cost more in interest over time if larger, high-interest debts are paid later

• Prioritizes emotional wins over mathematical savings

Best for You If:

• You feel motivated by small victories

• You want to see quick progress

• You need a simple, visual plan to stay engaged

What is the Debt Avalanche Method?

The debt avalanche method focuses on paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first, while making minimum payments on the rest. Once the highest-interest debt is gone, you move to the next highest.

Benefits of the Debt Avalanche:

• Saves the most money on interest over time

• Can shorten your overall debt repayment timeline

• Mathematically efficient

Things to Consider:

• Progress may feel slower at first

• Requires patience, especially if high-interest balances are large

Best for You If:

• You want to minimize total interest paid

• You’re comfortable sticking with a plan even if quick wins aren’t immediate

• You like seeing long-term financial benefits

Helpful Tips:

• You can always start with one method and adjust if your needs or motivation change.

• Staying consistent is more important than choosing the “perfect” method.

• Track your progress visually to stay encouraged, no matter which plan you choose.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to debt repayment. The best method is the one that fits your lifestyle, keeps you motivated, and helps you move forward at your own pace. Whether you choose the debt snowball or the debt avalanche, both can lead you to financial freedom over time.

If you’d like help deciding which plan is right for you or want to explore additional debt resources, the Women of Wisdom (WOW) community at Apriem Advisors is here to support you. Reach out to us anytime at bri@apriem.com — we’d love to walk alongside you on your journey.