Pay off debts smallest balance to largest, regardless of interest rate. While paying minimums on all others, throw every extra dollar at the smallest debt until eliminated, then roll that payment into the next smallest. The psychological wins of quickly eliminating debts keep many people motivated through to the end.

Pay off debts highest interest rate first, regardless of balance. Mathematically optimal — saves the most money in interest. Slower psychological wins (you might work on the same large high-rate debt for months), but objectively faster to debt freedom in dollar terms. Best for disciplined people who care more about money saved than emotional momentum.

Avalanche saves more money mathematically. Snowball produces more frequent emotional wins. The 'best' method is whichever you'll actually stick with. Studies (Northwestern Kellogg) show people who use snowball pay off MORE total debt than avalanche users — because they don't quit. The calculator shows both side-by-side so you can see the tradeoff.

Build a starter emergency fund first ($1,000–$2,000 — Dave Ramsey's Baby Step 1) so unexpected expenses don't force you to add new debt while paying off old debt. Then attack debt aggressively (Baby Step 2). After all consumer debt is gone, build a full 3–6-month emergency fund (Baby Step 3).

Whatever you can sustain. Even $50–100 extra per month dramatically accelerates payoff and reduces total interest. Cut subscriptions, defer non-essentials, take on side income — channel everything to the debt. The calculator shows exactly how many months and how much interest each extra dollar saves.

Consider if it lowers your effective rate AND you have the discipline to not run up new debt. Risks: balance transfer cards reset to high rates after promo period; debt consolidation loans extend the timeline; home equity loans put your house at risk. Run the math both ways — sometimes paying current debt aggressively beats refinancing.