Debt snowball vs avalanche: which payoff method actually wins
Use the avalanche (highest interest rate first) if you want to pay the least interest, and the snowball (smallest balance first) if you need early wins to stay motivated.
The Debt-Free Journal
Plain-English notes on getting out of debt
What is the Defeating the Debt journal?
It is an ongoing collection of plain-English, independent notes on getting out of debt, from comparing payoff methods to weighing debt relief options honestly to handling medical and credit-card debt. It is general education, not financial, legal, or tax advice, and it does not sell debt relief; verify decision-critical details with a qualified professional or a nonprofit credit counselor.
Independent, honest guidance for anyone working their way out of debt. No products sold, no hype; just the things worth understanding before you make a move. Written and reviewed by the Defeating the Debt Editorial Team.
Latest
Recent notes
Is debt settlement worth it? The honest trade-offs
Debt settlement can reduce what you owe, but it carries serious trade-offs: significant credit damage, fees, no guarantee creditors will agree, and possible income tax on forgiven debt.
How to handle medical debt without wrecking your finances
Do not rush to pay or to put medical bills on a credit card.
Questions
About these notes
How often is the Defeating the Debt journal updated?
We add new notes when there is something genuinely useful to say about getting out of debt, comparing relief options, or handling a specific kind of debt. The goal is durable, accurate guidance rather than churn, so each post is written to stay useful over time, with anything that changes, such as tax treatment or credit-scoring rules, flagged as something to verify with current sources.
Who writes these posts, and are they financial advice?
Every post is written and reviewed by the Defeating the Debt editorial team, an independent debt-help and financial-education resource. The posts are general education, not financial, legal, or tax advice, and we do not sell debt relief. For anything decision-critical, work with a qualified professional or a nonprofit credit counselor for your specific situation.
Does the journal recommend specific debt-relief companies or products?
No. Consistent with the rest of the site, we do not sell debt relief and we are not paid to recommend any specific company. We explain how options work, name their real downsides, and point you toward free and nonprofit help first, so you can make your own informed choice and vet any company yourself.
Can I rely on the journal for tax, legal, or credit decisions?
Treat it as a knowledgeable starting point, not the final word. Tax treatment of forgiven debt, credit-scoring rules, and assistance programs change over time and depend on your circumstances, so verify anything decision-critical with a qualified professional and current official sources before you rely on it.