The math says avalanche. The psychology says snowball. Here's how to choose — with real numbers.
The avalanche method (highest APR first)
Pay minimums on everything, throw every extra dollar at the debt with the highest interest rate. Mathematically optimal: you pay the least total interest. Example: a $4,200 credit card at 22.9% APR with a $120 minimum costs about $2,800 in interest and takes 58 months to clear. Add $200/month extra and it's gone in 15 months.
The snowball method (smallest balance first)
Attack the smallest balance first regardless of rate. You pay somewhat more interest overall, but you get wins early — and research on debt repayment consistently shows people who see early progress are far more likely to finish.
Which should you pick?
If your highest-APR debt is also large and demoralizing, snowball. If you're the type who opens a spreadsheet weekly and trusts the math, avalanche. The honest answer: the method you'll stick with is the faster one.
Run your own numbers
Our Debt Payoff Planner ($9) calculates months-to-payoff and total interest for every debt you have, and lets you flip between snowball and avalanche with one dropdown. Code LAUNCH20 takes 20% off through August 15.