Does the debt snowball really work?
The truth about the debt snowball method is it's a motivational program that can work at eliminating debt, but it's going to cost you more money and time – sometimes a lot more money and a lot more time – than other debt relief options.
As you can see, even if you can't manage to put any extra money toward your debt, using the snowball method will result in you paying off your debts more than five years sooner, and you'll save more than $4,300 in interest.
As you roll the money used from the smallest balance to the next on your list, the amount “snowballs” and gets larger and larger and the rate of the debt that is reduced is accelerated.
Make a debt snowball worksheet
On your worksheet, list your debts and use the total amount you owe to order them from smallest to largest. Then, create two columns: one for your minimum monthly payment and another for the amount you actually pay each month.
The debt snowball method is a debt-reduction strategy where you pay off debt in order of smallest balance to largest balance, gaining momentum as you knock out each balance. When the smallest debt is paid in full, you roll the minimum payment you were making on that debt into the next-smallest debt payment.
In terms of saving money, a debt avalanche is better because it saves you money in interest by targeting your highest interest debt first. However, some people find the debt snowball method better because it can be more motivating to see a smaller debt paid off more quickly.
- The snowball method. Pay the smallest debt as fast as possible. Pay minimums on all other debt. Then pay that extra toward the next largest debt. ...
- Debt avalanche. Pay the largest or highest interest rate debt as fast as possible. Pay minimums on all other debt. ...
- Debt consolidation.
The truth about the debt snowball method is it's a motivational program that can work at eliminating debt, but it's going to cost you more money and time – sometimes a lot more money and a lot more time – than other debt relief options.
- How the debt snowball method works. ...
- Pro: Quick wins. ...
- Pro: Helps build momentum. ...
- Pro: Improve money-management skills. ...
- Con: Ignores interest costs. ...
- Con: Wipes out cash reserves. ...
- Con: Extended repayment period:
If you're motivated by saving as much money as possible down to the last penny, you'll probably prefer the “avalanche” method. On the other hand, if getting a quick win right off the bat encourages you to keep moving forward, then the “snowball” method will likely motivate you the most.
How long does it take to get rid of debt?
A good rule of thumb is to try to pay off any card balance in 36 months, but you might want to see what it will take to pay off the balance in shorter or longer increments of time. Your actual rate, payment, and costs could be higher. Get an official Estimate before choosing a loan.
- Take advantage of debt relief services. ...
- Reduce interest where possible. ...
- Focus on your highest interest rate first. ...
- Take advantage of opportunities to earn extra income. ...
- Cut expenses where possible.
For some, the best way for debt elimination may be paying off smaller balances first. As the second step, you can add payments to those bigger burdens until they are fully paid off. A second option is to consider transferring balances to one credit card or consider getting a consolidation loan.
It will take 41 months to pay off $30,000 with payments of $1,000 per month, assuming the average credit card APR of around 18%. The time it takes to repay a balance depends on how often you make payments, how big your payments are and what the interest rate charged by the lender is.
- Take advantage of debt relief programs.
- Use a home equity loan to cut the cost of interest.
- Use a 401k loan.
- Take advantage of balance transfer credit cards with promotional interest rates.
Calculate What Your Debt Is Costing You
Paying down the accounts with the highest interest rate first allows you to save money in the long run since you're knocking out the most expensive debts first.
The stacking method works the same way as the snowball method, but you prioritize your debts differently in this method. Rather than listing them from smallest to largest, list them from highest interest rate to lowest interest rate regardless of the dollar amount. You then pay each as described in the snowball method.
- Not changing your spending habits. If you're struggling to pay off debt, you probably need to change your spending habits. ...
- Closing credit cards after paying them off. ...
- Neglecting your emergency fund. ...
- Getting discouraged. ...
- Not getting help when you need it.
National Debt Relief is a legitimate company that has helped hundreds of thousands of people negotiate their debts. The company's debt coaches are certified through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). National Debt Relief is also a member of the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC).
- Make a Plan to Tackle $20K in Credit Card Debt.
- Reduce Your Interest Rates.
- Reduce Your Bills and Cut Down on Spending.
- Utilize Debt Repayment Strategies.
- How to Get Additional Help With Your Debt.
- Make a Habit of Responsible Credit Use.
- Monitor Your Credit Going Forward.
What are the disadvantages of debt snowball?
Does not save maximum interest: The debt snowball method is not necessarily the best choice for saving money on interest. Because you're prioritizing balances over interest rates and only making minimum payments on debts that are low on the list, you could end up paying considerably more in interest over time.
The most important factor of your FICO® Score☉ , used by 90% of top lenders, is your payment history, or how you've managed your credit accounts. Close behind is the amounts owed—and more specifically how much of your available credit you're using—on your credit accounts. The three other factors carry less weight.
With debt stacking, you line up your debt, most effectively from highest interest rate to lowest, then target one account to pay off, while still making payments on the others. Once the targeted account's balance is zero, you target the next one. Repeat the process until you are debt free.
With the debt avalanche method, you order your debts by interest rate, with the highest interest rate first. You pay minimum payments on everything while attacking the debt with the highest interest rate. Once that debt is paid off, you move to the one with the next-highest interest rate . . .
The way the snowball debt strategy works is actually quite simple. Start by ranking your debts in order by the amount you owe, from smallest to largest. Next, put all the money you've budgeted for debt repayment toward the smallest of those debts and only pay the minimum payment on your others.
