2025-01-15
The debt snowball and avalanche are the two most popular debt payoff strategies. Here's the honest truth about both.
Pay minimums on everything, then throw all extra money at your smallest balance first.
Why it works: You get quick wins early. When you pay off that $400 store credit card, your brain gets a dopamine hit that keeps you going.
The math: Costs more in interest over time.
Best for: People who need motivation. If you've tried to pay off debt before and quit, this is your method.
Pay minimums on everything, then attack the highest interest rate first.
Why it works: Mathematically optimal. You pay the least interest possible.
The math: Saves money long-term.
Best for: People with strong discipline who won't get discouraged without quick wins.
The one you'll actually stick with.
A plan you follow imperfectly is infinitely better than a perfect plan you abandon. In Flourish, you can track either strategy — just list your debts in your preferred order and set your extra payments accordingly.
The goal isn't to win at math. The goal is to become debt-free.
No credit card. No commitment. Just clarity.
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