Debt Snowball: $500 and $2,000 Debts on $400/month
See how the debt snowball method quickly eliminates a $500 balance and then attacks a $2,000 balance on a $400 monthly budget.
How to use this tool
- Enter each debt's balance and APR.
- Enter the total monthly budget you can put toward both debts.
- The calculator attacks the smallest balance first, then rolls onto the next.
- Read the months to clear both debts and the total interest paid.
A small $500 debt gets paid off fast with the snowball method, freeing up money to attack the larger $2,000 balance — see the full timeline here.
Frequently asked questions
- How is the snowball different from the avalanche?
- The snowball pays the smallest balance first for motivating quick wins; the avalanche pays the highest APR first to minimize total interest. The avalanche usually costs a little less.
- Why does the snowball method work for many people?
- Eliminating whole accounts quickly creates visible progress and momentum, which helps people stay committed — behavior that often matters more than a small interest difference.
- What if my budget only covers the interest?
- Then the balances never shrink. The calculator flags this case; you need a budget greater than the combined monthly interest to make progress.