Debt avalanche: attack the costliest rate first
An avalanche plan ranks debts by annual percentage rate, not by balance size. After minimums are covered, extra payments reduce the balance that is growing fastest. Over months, that ordering often saves more interest than clearing tiny balances first—provided you actually keep sending the extra cash.
Reading the estimate
Use realistic APRs from current statements, including penalty rates if you are already past due. The calculator is a teaching model: it does not know late fees, collection status, or hardship programmes. Cross-check a credit-card payoff view when most of the pain sits on revolving lines.
When avalanche is hard to stick with
If a high-APR balance is huge and progress feels invisible, a hybrid approach can help: clear one small account for morale, then avalanche the rest. Either way, protect a thin emergency buffer so a surprise bill does not bounce you back onto the cards.