Two Methods That Worked For Me:-

Debt is one of those things that can feel like quicksand—the more you struggle, the deeper you sink. For years, I was drowning in credit card balances, student loans, and a car payment that seemed to eat half my paycheck. I remember sitting on my bed one night with tears rolling down my face, wondering if I’d ever be free from it all.

That’s when I stumbled upon two popular strategies: the Debt Avalanche Method and the Debt Snowball Method. Both promised to help me pay off my debts faster, but they worked in completely different ways. I decided to test both—because, let’s face it, I was desperate for a plan that would actually work. And what I learned changed my financial life forever.

What’s the Debt Avalanche Method?

The avalanche method is all about math and logic. You focus on paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first while making minimum payments on the rest. The goal? To save the most money on interest in the long run.

Pros of Avalanche:

• You pay less interest overall.

• It’s mathematically the fastest way to get out of debt.

Cons of Avalanche:

• It can take months (or even years) before you pay off your first debt.

• It lacks that quick emotional win, which can make it hard to stay motivated.

For someone like me, who wanted to see progress right away, the avalanche method felt a little too slow.

What’s the Debt Snowball Method?

The snowball method is all about momentum and motivation. You pay off your smallest debt first, no matter the interest rate. Once that’s gone, you roll that payment into the next smallest debt—like a snowball getting bigger and faster as it rolls downhill.

Pros of Snowball:

• You get quick wins, which keeps you motivated.

• It’s emotionally rewarding and easier to stick with.

Cons of Snowball:

• You might pay a bit more in interest compared to the avalanche method.

Which One Worked for Me?

Here’s the truth: I started with the avalanche method because it sounded “smart.” But after months of paying off high-interest credit cards without seeing a single balance disappear, I felt discouraged. I wanted that “yes, I’m actually making progress” feeling.

That’s when I switched to the Debt Snowball Method—and everything changed.

• I knocked out a $300 credit card balance in just one month.

• Then I attacked my $700 store credit card, which took two months.

• Each debt I cleared gave me a burst of confidence I’d never felt before.

The snowball method gave me emotional wins, and those small victories fueled me to keep going even when things got tough.

Why I Still Recommend Both:-

Honestly, both methods have their place. If you’re super disciplined and numbers-driven, the avalanche method might be your best friend. But if you’re like me—and you need those quick wins to stay on track—snowball is pure magic.

In fact, I tell people to combine both: start with snowball to build momentum, then switch to avalanche once you’re on fire and ready to optimize interest savings.

⭐Key Lessons I Learned:-

1. Money is emotional, not just logical. If a method doesn’t keep you motivated, it won’t work—no matter how “right” it looks on paper.

2. There’s no shame in starting small. Paying off a $100 bill feels just as amazing as clearing a big loan—because it’s a step toward freedom.

3. Debt freedom is a journey. It doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right method, it happens faster than you think.

1. I Started with a Snowball Kick-Start, Then Shifted to Avalanche

Here’s my secret: I tackled my smallest debt first to get that burst of motivation (snowball style). Once I cleared two small debts, I shifted my focus to the highest interest debt (avalanche).

• Those early wins gave me confidence.

• Then, targeting high-interest balances saved me hundreds in interest over time.

This mix kept me emotionally charged and financially smart.

2. I Created a “Debt Power Fund”

Every time I finished paying off one debt, I didn’t stop there. I took the exact monthly payment from that cleared debt and added it to my next payment. It was like giving my snowball a turbo boost.
Example: If I was paying $50 on a store card and $100 on a personal loan, once the store card was gone, I added that $50 to the $100—making $150 towards the loan.

3. I Cut Interest with Smart Negotiations

One powerful but often overlooked hack: I called my credit card companies and requested a lower interest rate. Surprisingly, some agreed, especially when I mentioned I was serious about paying off my balance. Lower interest means more of your payment attacks the principal, not just fees.

4. Side Hustles Became My Secret Weapon

You can only cut expenses so much, but your income has unlimited potential. I picked up side gigs like babysitting, weekend event help, and selling handmade crafts. Every extra dollar went directly to my highest priority debt.
Think about it: an extra $200/month from side work means $2,400 a year toward your debt snowball. That’s massive progress!

5. I Practiced the “Snowflake” Method

Snowflakes are tiny amounts of money that add up. Here’s what I did:

• Any cashback rewards or spare change went into a separate “debt jar.”

• I rounded up my expenses and transferred the difference to debt payments.

• Even random $10 savings from coupons or discounts went toward my loans.
  These little “snowflakes” sped up my payoff timeline more than I imagined.

6. I Built a Small Emergency Fund First

Here’s a mistake I see a lot of people make: they throw every dollar at debt without a safety cushion. I kept at least $500 in a small emergency fund. This meant that when my car broke down or I needed an urgent medical visit, I didn’t swipe my credit card and dig myself deeper.

7. I Tracked Every Single Win

I printed out a “debt thermometer” chart and colored it in with every payment I made. Watching my progress grow visually kept me motivated. It’s like seeing your effort turn into real results, one payment at a time.

8. I Said “No” to Lifestyle Creep

As soon as I started making progress, I was tempted to reward myself with treats like new clothes or eating out. But I kept reminding myself: short-term sacrifice equals long-term freedom. I still enjoyed life, but I found free joys—picnics, library books, and cozy movie nights at home.

9. I Shifted My Mindset from “Broke” to “Resourceful”

Instead of saying, “I can’t afford it,” I started asking, “How can I make this happen?” This mindset shift led me to creative solutions, like meal prepping for the week, carpooling, and even bartering services (I babysat for a friend in exchange for her helping me with a car issue).

10. I Celebrated Debt Freedom Milestones

Each time I cleared a loan or card, I marked the occasion. It might be something as simple as a coffee date or a heartfelt journal entry about how far I’d come. These moments reminded me that every small step matters.

11. I Focused on My Future Self

Whenever I felt like quitting, I imagined the future me—free from debt, with money saved for vacations, investments, and peace of mind. That vision was my ultimate motivator.

Final Words of Hope:-

Whether you choose avalanche, snowball, or a mix of both like I did, the key is to start and keep going. Every payment is a small victory. Every “no” to unnecessary spending is a big “yes” to your freedom.

The day I made my final payment, I felt like I could finally breathe again. I want you to feel that too. Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about staying consistent and believing in your own strength.