Debt isn’t just money... it’s reminders, due dates, and mental clutter.

If you’re balancing work, family, and multiple payments, the “right” payoff plan is the one you’ll actually follow. Here’s a clear, no-fluff breakdown of the three most common ways to get debt-free.

How it works: Pay off your smallest balance first while keeping minimums on the rest. Once it’s gone, roll that payment to the next smallest. Best if you like fast wins.

Tradeoffs: You might pay more interest if your smallest debts have lower APRs.

Try this week: List balances from smallest to largest. Automate minimums. Send an extra $20 to the smallest one today. Track your progress visually.

How it works: Pay off the balance with the highest APR first, then move down the list. Best if you care most about saving on interest and finishing efficiently.

Tradeoffs: It can feel slow at first if your highest-APR balance is large.

Try this week: Sort debts by APR. Send extra money to the top rate. Once a month, note how much interest you’ve avoided.

How it works: Combine multiple debts into one fixed payment with a set payoff date. Best if you want fewer due dates and less stress.

Tradeoffs: A longer term can lower your monthly payment but might increase total interest. Run the numbers before signing.

Try this week: Gather balances, APRs, and minimums. Check what a single fixed payment and payoff date would look like for you.

If you want quick motivation, go Snowball and clear a small debt first.

If you want the lowest cost, go Avalanche and hit the highest APR.

If you want fewer moving parts, go Consolidation and simplify everything.

Not sure? Start with Snowball for a few months to build confidence, then switch to Avalanche for savings.

If juggling payments stresses you out, consider consolidation for peace of mind.