Debt can be a heavy burden, but there are ways to get out of it and improve your financial situation. One method you can use is the snowball method.
With this method, you focus on paying off your smallest debts first and then apply the payments you made for those debts to the next-smallest debts. This strategy lets you gradually increase your payments as you repay each loan, like a snowball rolling down a hill.
What Is The Debt Snowball Method
Paying off debt can be a long and difficult process, but a debt snowball payment strategy can help make it more manageable. This method involves starting with your smallest debt and working your way up, making additional payments on each successive debt. As you pay off each debt, you will have more money available to pay off your next debt until, eventually, all of your debts are paid in full. This approach can help keep you motivated throughout the process and ultimately help you get out of debt more quickly.
How Does It Work
Start by making a list of all your debts and ranking them from smallest to largest balance. Then, direct as much money as possible toward the debt with the lowest balance. While doing so, make the minimum monthly payments on all your other debts.
Once you’ve paid off your smallest debt, take the money you used for it and apply that amount to the next debt on your list with the lowest balance. Make sure to continue paying the minimums on your other debts. Stick with this process until you’re debt free!
Assuming you have an extra $100 per month available for debt payments, and you have the following debts:
- A student loan with a balance of $4,000 and a minimum payment of $60
- A credit card with a balance of $5,000 and a minimum payment of $25
- A car loan with a balance of $20,000 and a monthly payment of $350
You would pay an extra $100 towards your student loan each month. During that time, you would make the minimum payments on your credit card and car loan. Once your student loan is paid off, you would have an extra $160 available monthly that could be applied towards your next smallest debt – your credit card.
Pros And Cons Of The Debt Snowball Method
Debt snowballing can help you get out of debt and improve your financial situation. However, this strategy has some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of before starting.
Pros
Quick wins
Debt snowballing has been gaining popularity as a way to pay off debt. The idea is to start with the smallest debt and pay it off first. This gives people a psychological boost as they see their debts being paid off one by one.
This method has its advantages, but some people may find it difficult to stick to. It is important to be disciplined when following the debt snowball method, as it can be easy to fall behind on payments.
Keeping You Motivated
Carrying debt can be a stressful experience, especially when you’re trying to keep track of multiple debts at once. Focusing your energy on paying off one debt at a time can help ease some of that stress and keep you motivated throughout the process. This is known as the debt snowball method.
Develops Your Skills
The financial benefits of debt reduction are often underrated. In addition to the psychological boost of seeing your debt dwindle, you will also develop better money management skills. This will help you stay on track with your plan and improve your financial health.
Cons
Ignores interest costs
Some people argue that the debt snowball method is ineffective because it does not consider the number of money people save by paying off accounts with higher interest rates first. They contend that it is mathematically wiser to pay off these types of accounts first, so they do not continue to accrue interest.
This approach is called the debt avalanche method.
Wipes out cash reserves
Some people worry about using all their cash reserves to pay off debt, as they see it as risky. An emergency could erase the progress made toward eliminating debt and create new debt.
Extended repayment period:
The debt snowball method could extend your repayment period. However, the debt avalanche method may be a better option depending on the interest rates of your lowest balances.
Debt Snowball Vs Avalanche
Debt can be a daunting thing to manage, but some strategies can help. One such strategy is known as “snowballing” debt. This involves paying off your debts in order of smallest to largest. This can help make your journey to being debt-free seem much more manageable. Another strategy, known as “avalanching” debt, maybe a better choice for those with a lot of high-interest debt. With this method, you pay off debts with higher interest rates first and then apply that payment amount to debts with lower interest rates.
Final Thoughts
Debt can be a major source of stress and anxiety, especially when it feels like you’re never going to get out from under it. The debt snowball strategy is a simple and effective way to pay off your debt, prioritizing ease of use and peace of mind over the depreciation of interest paid. This strategy can be a lifeline for those overwhelmed by more complicated repayment plans. Ultimately, getting out of debt is more important than making sure you pay as little as possible along the way.