The Wealthy Thinker
  • Home
  • Finance Basics
  • Financial Planning
  • Investing
  • Debt
  • Dailies
    • Daily Financial Tips
    • Daily Financial Affirmation
  • Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Finance Basics
  • Financial Planning
  • Investing
  • Debt
  • Dailies
    • Daily Financial Tips
    • Daily Financial Affirmation
  • Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
The Wealthy Thinker
No Result
View All Result
Home Debt

Snowball, Fireball & Avalanche: 3 Powerful Debt Payoff Methods to Help With Yours

Need more motivation? Try the Snowball Method. Want to save more interest? Go for the Avalanche.

Sara by Sara
July 8, 2024
in Debt
Reading Time: 5 mins read
0
These debt payoff methods can save you a bundle. Avalanche, snowball and fireball.

Paying off debt can be a challenging task, but with the right plan and some discipline, being debt free can become a reality.

The three main debt payoff methods that have been proven to work are:

  • The Avalanche Method
  • The Snowball Method
  • The Fireball Method

Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, but can also be tailored to suit your own needs. 

Have you been struggling to pay off debt? Here are three different debt payoff methods to use to help you succeed.

 

Cartoons of an avalanche, a snowball and a fireball on a white background.
Each of these methods can be a solid plan to help you pay off debt, it really depends on what works for you.

 

3 Debt Payoff Methods You May Want to Try

The Avalanche Method – Saves the Most, But Takes the Longest

The Avalanche Method can be one of the most cost-effective.

With the Avalanche Method, you pay off your debts in order of their interest rates.

This means that you’ll start by paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first, then pay off the next debt with the second highest interest rate, and so on.

RelatedPosts

5 Smart Tips to Avoid Being House Poor & 7 Strategic Ways to Get Out

9 Signs You Need Help Managing Your Debt & 3 Ways to Handle it

The Powerful Triggers Behind Overspending & 4 Ways to Overcome Them

The idea behind the fist of the debt payoff methods is that you’ll save the most money in interest payments in the long run by paying off the highest interest-rate debts first. 

The main advantage of the Avalanche Method is that it can save you the most money by first paying off your highest-interest debt.

However, it can take the longest to pay off your debts for the same reason.

This can be discouraging and may lead to you giving up before you’re able to pay everything off.

This method works best if you have a large sum to put towards your largest debt or if you are good about sticking to something for a long time. However, if you struggle with staying motivated, the Avalanche Method can cause you to give up on any debt payoff plan. 

 

The Snowball Method – Most Motivating, But Best for Smaller Debts

The Snowball Method is the opposite of the Avalanche Method. You pay off your debt in the order of the amount owed from smallest to largest instead of paying off your debts in order of their interest rates.

This means that you’ll start by paying off the debt with the lowest balance first, then pay off the next debt with the second lowest balance, and so on. 

The main advantage of the Snowball Method is that it can be more motivating and help you stick to paying off debt the longest. Paying off small debts first can give you a sense of accomplishment and can keep you motivated to continue paying off your debts.

Additionally, since you’ll be paying off small debts first, you may be able to pay them off faster. This can help you pay off your entire debt more quickly because the monthly payments that go towards that smallest loan can be put into paying off your next loan.

The Snowball is one of the most popular debt payoff methods. It is great if you have a lot of small loans under $5,000. This will help you to pay off loans quickly as well as be able to save more for larger loans.

If you like to see instant success, this method is the best because you’ll be able to start paying off your smaller loans much faster than a larger loan. 

 

The Fireball Method – Combines the Best of Both

The Fireball Method is a combination of the Avalanche and Snowball Methods.

With the Fireball Method, you’ll start by paying off the debt with the highest interest rate and make additional payments to the debt with the lowest balance. This allows you to save money on interest payments, while also giving you a sense of accomplishment as you pay off small debts. 

The main advantage of the Fireball Method is that it combines the best of both methods. 

The disadvantage of this method is that it can be more difficult to keep track of the debts you are working on, since you’re focusing on multiple debts at the same time.

This method is great if you want to test both methods to see what you prefer. Choosing between the Avalanche and Snowball Methods can be difficult, so the Fireball Method allows you to try both.

You may find that you don’t mind seeing slow progress with the Avalanche Method. You may also find you really enjoy the gratifying satisfaction of paying off another small loan and crossing it off your list. 

 

 

Which of These 3 Debt Payoff Methods Will Work For You?

Paying off debt can be difficult and daunting, but with the right strategy, it is possible to become debt-free.

When deciding on one of these debt payoff methods, it’s important to consider your individual needs and goals. The Avalanche, Snowball, and Fireball Methods are all effective ways to pay off debt, but each has advantages and disadvantages.

Consider your own situation and choose the method that works best for you.

Photo by Arina Krasnikova

Tags: debtdebt advicedebt management
Sara

Sara

Sara DeSantis is an Accredited Financial Counselor Candidate through the AFCPE and is an adjunct professor teaching personal financial literacy. She is passionate about teaching the basics of finance to young adults who are entering the adult world with debt. Sara is part of the FIRE movement and hopes to retire before 30. She has published dozens of finance articles for blogs, developed finance courses, and written over 50 financial podcast scripts. Sara resides in Denver, CO.

Related Posts

Person puts coins in a jar marked SAVE. You can maximize your money with every decision.
Debt

Maximize Your Money: 15 Tips to Unlock a More Frugal Mindset

by Susan
June 19, 2025

Listen, people are touchy about money. We don't like to talk about it and especially not when we're worried we...

Read moreDetails
Man counts money at a brown desk.

5 Smart Tips to Avoid Being House Poor & 7 Strategic Ways to Get Out

November 19, 2025
Two men sit together having the money talk.

Having ‘The Money Talk’: 6 Critical Topics to Hit With Your Partner

November 7, 2025
Attentive man sits in business meeting

5 Common Money Mistakes That Will Cost You Big Time

November 6, 2025
Managing your debt means you won't be holding an empty wallet any more.

9 Signs You Need Help Managing Your Debt & 3 Ways to Handle it

July 26, 2025

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Financial services loyalty programs have a lot to offer -just make sure you know exactly what you're getting into.

5 Financial Services Loyalty Programs That Go Beyond Free Flights

July 1, 2025
A view from the driver's seat of a luxury Mercedes steering wheel. Adopting a rich mindset can make all the difference in your savings plans.

10 Rich Mindset Habits You Can Start Emulating Now

August 5, 2024
Stop wasting money on these 15 every day things!

15 Things You Need to Stop Wasting Money on Right Now

June 15, 2024
A few financial quotes can keep you focused on saving!

40 Financial Quotes to Help Keep You Motivated

February 21, 2025
Luxury vehicle parked in front of a modern mansion. Do you have a wealth mindset?

Wealth Mindset vs. Poverty Mindset: The Key to Developing a Wealth Mentality

A view from the driver's seat of a luxury Mercedes steering wheel. Adopting a rich mindset can make all the difference in your savings plans.

10 Rich Mindset Habits You Can Start Emulating Now

Stop wasting money on these 15 every day things!

15 Things You Need to Stop Wasting Money on Right Now

Everyone would like to be as successful as Warren Buffett, but few have his discipline.

How to Invest Like Warren Buffett

Man counts money at a brown desk.

5 Smart Tips to Avoid Being House Poor & 7 Strategic Ways to Get Out

November 19, 2025
Couple shopping holiday sales outside.

The Frugal & Minimalist Approach to Shopping Holiday Sales Smartly

November 18, 2025
An arguing couple attempts mediation.

Mediation: A Divorce Alternative That Won’t Leave You Broke?

November 17, 2025
Two women look at a 401(k) vs. pension document together.

401(k) vs. Pension: What’s the Difference & How Does It Work?

November 15, 2025

Today's Financial Message

November 19 2025

by The Wealthy Thinker Team
November 19, 2025

Your relationship with money affects every area of your life - healing money wounds and limiting beliefs is essential for...

Read moreDetails

Join us at The Wealthy Thinker!

Welcome new reader! Join our newsletter for expert financial tips and make the most out of your money!

The Wealthy Thinker

© 2024 TheWealthyThinker.com

Navigate Site

  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Glossary Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Terms

Follow Us

Join us at The Wealthy Thinker!

Even the rich and famous have money mishaps.

Welcome new reader! Join our newsletter for expert financial tips and make the most out of your money.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Finance Basics
  • Financial Planning
  • Investing
  • Debt
  • Daily Financial Tips
  • Daily Financial Affirmation

© 2024 TheWealthyThinker.com