Should I pay off my highest interest debt or the smallest balance first?

There are two popular debt repayment strategies known as the debt avalanche and the debt snowball.


The debt avalanche method suggests that you pay off the debt with the highest interest rate first while making minimum payments on all other debts. Once you have paid off the highest interest rate debt, you move on to the next highest interest rate debt and repeat the process until all your debts are paid off.


The debt snowball method, on the other hand, suggests that you pay off the debt with the smallest balance first while making minimum payments on all other debts. Once you have paid off the smallest balance debt, you move on to the next smallest balance debt and repeat the process until all your debts are paid off.


Both methods have their pros and cons. The debt avalanche method saves you the most money in interest charges over the long run, but it may take longer to see progress and gain momentum. The debt snowball method may not save you as much in interest charges, but it can provide quick wins and motivation to keep going.


Ultimately, the decision of which method to use depends on your personal financial situation and priorities. If saving money on interest charges is your top priority and you are willing to sacrifice some short-term progress, then the debt avalanche method may be the best option for you. If you need quick wins and motivation to stay on track, then the debt snowball method may be a better fit.

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