Crushing Debt Strategically: Should You Start Small or Tackle the Big Stuff First?

Debt doesn’t feel like a number. It feels like weight. It keeps people up at night, changes the way they see the future, and quietly eats away at peace of mind. I’ve sat across the table from hundreds of clients—some with six-figure student loans, others with a dozen maxed-out credit cards—and let me tell you: it’s not the size of the debt that hurts the most. It’s the feeling of not knowing where to start.

That’s where this conversation matters.

Should you pay off your smallest debt first so you can get that quick win and build momentum? Or should you laser in on the one with the highest interest rate and save yourself thousands in the long run? Both strategies have strong logic behind them. The real question is: which one fits you best?

What We’re Really Talking About Here

When people talk about “crushing debt,” it’s not always just about money. It’s about regaining control, about breathing easier, about getting your future back. So when we’re weighing two strategies—Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche—we’re really talking about how you want to experience your journey out of debt.

They both work. That’s important to say upfront. They just get there in different ways.

Credit card debt is hitting new highs in the U.S.—again. According to TransUnion’s November data, the average credit card balance now sits at $6,088, marking a 15% jump from this time last year and the highest level seen in a decade.

So yes, this decision matters. But not in a rigid, one-size-fits-all way. It matters because the right strategy for you is the one that’s sustainable, smart, and rooted in reality.

What Is the Debt Snowball Method?

Let’s start with the approach that’s emotionally driven—and intentionally so. The Debt Snowball method focuses on paying off your smallest debts first, regardless of interest rate. You make minimum payments on everything else, and throw any extra cash at the smallest balance until it's gone. Then you move to the next-smallest, and so on.

Why it works:

• Quick wins build momentum. Paying off a small $300 store card feels good. It shows progress. And when you see results early, you’re more likely to stay consistent.

• It creates positive habits. Like checking in on your balances, tracking your payments, and actively managing your money instead of avoiding it.

• It works especially well for people who feel overwhelmed. If you’ve got debt spread across six different accounts and can barely keep up, the snowball gives you focus and structure.

The Snowball is less about math, more about psychology. And that’s not a weakness—it’s the reason many people finally make progress.

But here’s the trade-off: because you’re ignoring interest rates, you may pay more in the long run. The Snowball method sacrifices financial efficiency for emotional momentum. For some, that’s the perfect trade.

What Is the Debt Avalanche Method?

Now let’s look at the more mathematically optimized strategy: the Debt Avalanche.

With this method, you pay off debts based on interest rate, starting with the highest. So even if your highest-interest debt is also your largest, that’s where your extra payments go. You still make minimum payments on the rest, but you attack the costliest balance first.

Why it works:

• You save more over time. Because you're targeting the debt that’s costing you the most in interest, you’re minimizing total repayment.

• It shortens your payoff timeline. In most cases, the Avalanche will get you debt-free faster than the Snowball—assuming you can stick to it.

• It works best if you’re disciplined and data-minded. If you’re motivated by long-term efficiency rather than quick psychological wins, this could be your strategy.

That said, the Avalanche can feel slower at first—especially if your highest-interest debt also has a high balance. Some people start strong, then get discouraged because the early wins aren’t visible. It’s a “trust the process” approach, and that can be tough when your stress is sky-high.

Which Method Actually Works Better?

Here’s the honest answer: both work.

In my experience as a strategist, here’s how I help clients decide:

• If they’re detail-oriented, comfortable with longer timelines, and motivated by saving money—Avalanche.

• If they’re emotionally drained, overwhelmed, and need to feel momentum—Snowball.

But it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. You can blend both approaches—target a high-interest debt that’s also smaller to get both efficiency and emotional payoff.

Debt Is a Strategy Game—Not a Shame Game

One of the biggest roadblocks people face isn’t which method to pick. It’s the guilt that comes with being in debt in the first place.

I’ve seen clients with PhDs and six-figure salaries who feel like failures because they carry credit card balances. I’ve worked with parents who blame themselves for taking on loans to help their kids go to college. And I’ve met single moms juggling three jobs and still barely making minimum payments.

This is not about personal failure. It’s about a financial system that doesn’t teach enough, charges too much, and makes debt feel like a life sentence.

So let’s reframe the goal: this is about reclaiming power. You’re not just paying down balances—you’re rebuilding financial control.

How to Choose the Right Strategy for You

Picking between Snowball and Avalanche isn’t a test of financial IQ. It’s a decision based on your current mindset, cash flow, and stamina. Let’s walk through a few reflective questions that could guide your choice:

• Do I get easily discouraged if I don’t see fast progress?
• Am I more motivated by saving money long-term or checking things off quickly?
• How many different debts am I juggling?
• Which debts are causing me the most stress—by interest rate or by emotional weight?

And here’s one more idea: set a “pilot period.” Try your chosen method for 90 days. Track your progress. Notice how you feel. If it’s working, stick with it. If not, pivot. You’re not locked in.

Debt is stacking up fast across the U.S.—total household debt hit $18.2 trillion in 2025, up nearly $5 trillion since 2019. According to Debt.org, most of that comes from mortgages, but auto loans, student debt, and credit cards are also major contributors.

So if you’re feeling alone, behind, or ashamed—you’re not. And you’re not stuck either. What matters is what you do next.

4 Smart Moves to Keep You Focused and Fired Up

1. Create a Personalized Debt Tracker

Design a simple spreadsheet or visual tool that lists your debts, balances, minimums, and interest rates. Seeing it in one place makes the strategy real.

2. Pick a Strategy—and Name the Start Date

Whether it’s Snowball, Avalanche, or a hybrid, give your plan a name and start date. A defined beginning makes it feel like a mission, not a wandering.

3. Automate What You Can, Review What You Must

Set up automatic payments above the minimum on your priority debt. Then check in monthly—not just on numbers, but on how you feel about the process.

4. Celebrate Every Win—Loudly

Paid off a card? Closed a loan? Hit your first milestone? Mark it. Celebrate it. Reward the effort as well as the outcome.

You’re Not Just Paying Off Debt—You’re Buying Back Freedom

Debt freedom isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress.

There will be setbacks. There might be surprise bills or months where you can only make minimum payments. That’s part of the process. What matters most is that you keep going.

No matter which strategy you choose—Snowball, Avalanche, or some creative blend—what you’re really choosing is you. Your future. Your freedom. Your shot at living without that constant weight dragging behind you.

You can do this. Not because it’s easy—but because you’re ready to stop reacting and start taking control. Strategy beats shame every time.

And strategy, my friend, is something you can build.