The short answer: to pay off debt, list every debt with its balance, rate and minimum payment, then choose the order you will stick with. Debt snowball vs avalanche compares the two orders, and how to get out of debt gives the full steps.
- Cards: how to pay off credit card debt and how long to pay off a credit card.
- Track it: the debt payoff calculator (balance, APR and minimum for each debt) and a debt tracker.
- Options: debt consolidation, a debt management plan or a balance transfer.
- Falling behind? behind on bills, medical debt help and a debt validation letter.
Our picks for paying off debt
Spreadsheets
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Guides
- Debt Snowball Method vs Avalanche: Worked Example + Picks Start hereDebt snowball method vs avalanche: a worked example, what research says about motivation and a free payoff calculator to pick the …
- Balance transferHow a balance transfer credit card works, what the fees and 0% intro APR really cost, and a simple plan to pay off the balance bef…
- Behind on billsBehind on bills? Rank every bill by what it protects, call creditors before the due date, find assistance programs and catch up on…
- Debt Management PlanA debt management plan explained: how a nonprofit credit counselor sets it up, typical fees, the credit impact, pros and cons, and…
- Debt consolidationDebt consolidation combines several debts into one payment. Learn how it works, the main options, pros and cons, costs to compare …
- Debt reliefDebt relief compared: DIY payoff, credit counseling, consolidation, settlement and bankruptcy, with credit and tax effects, scam w…
- Good Debt vs. Bad DebtGood debt vs. bad debt: clear examples of each, a 5-question test for any loan, gray areas like mortgages and car loans, and what …
- How to calculate debt to income ratioHow to calculate debt to income ratio: what counts as debt and income, the formula, front-end vs. back-end DTI, worked examples an…
- How to get out of debtHow to get out of debt step by step: list every debt, build a starter cushion, pick snowball or avalanche, cut interest and stay o…
- How to pay off credit card debtHow to pay off credit card debt step by step: stop new charges, list cards, pick snowball or avalanche, lower your rate, and track…
- Paying off holiday debtPay off holiday debt: list every balance, choose snowball or avalanche, follow a worked example, find extra cash in January and st…
Ideas and how-tos
- Average Credit Card DebtAverage credit card debt is $8,000 (median $3,100) for families with a balance, per the Fed's 2025 survey. See rates, who carries …
- Debt Validation LetterHow to write a debt validation letter: what to include, a sample letter, the 30-day dispute timeline, mistakes to avoid and a free…
- Debt freeWhat being debt free really means, how to find your debt-free date, a 7-step plan to get there and the debt free living habits tha…
- Debt payoff planner for ExcelHow a debt payoff planner spreadsheet works, a worked snowball vs. avalanche example, and an Excel and Google Sheets template that…
- Debt trackerSet up a debt tracker in 20 minutes: what to list for each debt, snowball vs. avalanche order, a sample tracker, a monthly routine…
- Goodwill letterA goodwill letter asks a lender to remove an accurate late payment from your credit report. Get a sample letter, tips and what to …
- How long to pay off a credit cardHow long to pay off credit card debt at $50 to $500 a month, with payoff tables for $1,000 to $10,000 balances, the minimum paymen…
- How to pay off student loans fastHow to pay off student loans fast: extra-payment tables, the 1% autopay rate cut, targeting the right loan, and when paying early …
- Medical debtMedical debt help, step by step: check bills for errors, ask for financial assistance, negotiate a lower amount or payment plan an…
- What Is Debt?What is debt? How debt works, secured vs. unsecured and revolving vs. installment debt, good vs. bad debt, how much is too much an…
- What is a balance transferWhat is a balance transfer? How moving credit card debt to a 0% card works, what the fee costs, a worked $5,000 example, the fine …
Free tools
- Debt Payoff Calculator: Snowball vs Avalanche PlanFree debt payoff calculator. Enter each debt's balance, APR and minimum to see your debt-free date, total interest and payoff orde…
How to use this page
Pages here are step-by-step guides, short explainers and sample letters. A payoff plan works best next to a budget, so pair it with budgeting basics, and see credit scores and credit cards for how debt and your credit report connect.