JagInsights › Glossary › Debt avalanche
What is the debt avalanche method?
The debt avalanche pays the highest interest rate first. How it saves interest compared with the snowball.
The debt avalanche is a payoff order: pay the required minimum on every debt, then send every extra dollar to the debt with the highest APR. When that one is gone, send that payment to the next-highest APR.
Worked example
A $3,200 card at 24 percent and a $400 card at 18 percent. Extra $100 a month goes to the 24 percent card even though the $400 card looks easier. The 24 percent card is the one growing fastest.
Why it matters
Interest is a fee on the leftover balance. The highest fee should be the first one you stop paying, if you will actually stick with it.
Questions people ask
Is avalanche always better?
On interest, usually yes. On behavior, only if you do not quit. A plan you abandon is more expensive than a slightly slower math.
What about a 0 percent promo?
Pay that one enough to stay current. Extra dollars usually still belong on the high APR that is charging you now, unless the promo is about to expire with a large leftover.
Does this work on student loans?
The same order applies: highest rate first, after you are current on every required payment.
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