Avalanche vs snowball (choose one)
Avalanche pays the highest interest rate first and saves the most money. Snowball pays the smallest balance first and often feels more motivating. Either works if you actually stick to it—choose the one you will execute.
Stability first: avoid new debt
Before aggressive payoff, add a small buffer so you stop putting surprises on the card again. Even a single paycheck buffer reduces relapse. Then automate payments so the plan happens even when life gets busy.
Add one extra payment that is sustainable
Start with an amount you can keep for months. The magic is consistency. If you want to go faster, increase the extra payment gradually or add “windfall rules” (tax refund, bonus, side income).
Track a payoff date (it changes behavior)
When you can see “debt-free by October” in your plan, decisions get easier. A spreadsheet payoff projection gives you that date and shows what happens if you pay $50 more or $200 more each month.