What is the Debt Avalanche Method?
The Debt Avalanche Method is a debt repayment strategy that entails paying off debts with the highest interest rates first while making minimum payments on all other debts. You save money in the long run, too, as less interest is being charged overall. After the highest-interest debt is paid off, this becomes money that you can apply toward the next 10 per cent on your list, creating a snowball effect.
How the Debt Avalanche Method Works
- Listing Your Debts: To begin listing the debts, which include credit cards, loans, and any other form of debt. Set the highest interest rate to the lowest.
- Minimum Payments: Continue making minimum payments on all debts except for the one with the highest interest rate.
- Focus on High-Interest Debt: Allocate any extra money you have towards paying off the debt with the highest interest rate.
- Repeat the Process: Once the highest-interest debt is paid off, move on to the next debt on your list and repeat the process until all debts are paid off.
Pros of the Debt Avalanche Method
- Interest savings: Paying higher-interest debts first saves you money because less interest accumulates over time.
- Shorter Debt-Free Timeline: After clearing these credit cards the debt snowball gets a little easier and faster.
- Promotes Financial Discipline: As we have seen, this method indicates that trading opportunistically is undisciplined.
Cons of the Debt Avalanche Method
- Slow Initial Progress: Since you’re focusing on high-interest debts, which may also be larger, it may take a while to see progress, which can be discouraging.
- Complexity: Managing multiple debts and interest rates can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to debt repayment strategies.
- Requires Discipline: This method requires consistent effort and discipline to stick with the plan, even when progress seems slow.
Debt Avalanche vs. Debt Snowball
| Criteria | Debt avalanche | Debt Snowball |
| Focus | It focuses on the highest-interest debt first. | Smallest balance debt first |
| Interest Savings | Typically higher due to paying less interest | Typically lower due to paying more interest |
| Complexity | More complex; requires tracking interest rates | Simpler; focuses only on debt balances |
| Best For | Those with high-interest debts who are disciplined | Those needing quick wins to stay motivated |
Real-life Example of the Debt Avalanche Method
Imagine you have three debts:
|
Debt |
Balance |
Interest Rate |
|
Credit Card |
₹5,000 | 20% |
|
Student Loan |
₹15,000 |
5% |
| Auto Loan | ₹10,000 |
7% |
Using the Debt Avalanche Method, you would focus on paying off Credit Card bill first because it has the highest interest rate. After paying off Credit Card bill, you would then direct your extra payments towards the Auto Loan, followed by the Student Loan.
Is the Debt Avalanche Method Right for You?
The Debt Avalanche Method is ideal for those who are patient, disciplined and focused on minimizing interest payments. If you have high-interest debt and are committed to paying off your debts as efficiently as possible, this method may be right for you. However, the Debt Snowball method might be a better fit if you prefer quick wins and need motivation to stay on track.
FAQs
- Can the debt method be used for all types of debt or not?
Yes, it includes personal loans, student loans, credit cards and more. - What if my debts have similar interest rates?
Having a similar interest rate in debt, you can choose to pay off the one with the highest balance first or you can use the Snowball method, just don’t focus on a small balance. - Can I switch from the Debt Avalanche Method to the Debt Snowball Method?
Yes, you can switch methods at any time if you find that the Debt Snowball Method better suits your needs or needs more motivation.
Also, check:
