Target the smallest balance first, pay minimums elsewhere, and enjoy swift psychological wins as accounts vanish. Momentum reduces decision fatigue, strengthens identity as a finisher, and helps you stick with difficult weeks because a visible victory is always closer than it feels initially.
Prioritize the highest APR to reduce total interest paid, especially powerful when rates are punishing. Watching lifetime interest drop can be thrilling too. Track the cumulative savings on the page footer and celebrate each threshold reached to keep excitement alive without ignoring disciplined math.
Combine approaches by starting with a snowball sprint, then switching to avalanche after two closures or a set savings target. Document your switch trigger clearly on the page, so changing gears feels intentional, timely, and aligned with both morale and mathematics.

Set automatic payments for every account at least two days before due dates, and link them to a dedicated checking subaccount. This prevents accidental overdrafts, preserves credit history, and frees attention for higher-value actions like side income, refinancing exploration, and better offers.

Call issuers during weekday mornings, state your intention to repay fully, and politely request a reduced APR or late fee reversal. Keep a script printed on the page margin. Track the outcome, name of the agent, and follow-up date for accountability.

Before attacking balances aggressively, save a small buffer, even five hundred dollars, to absorb surprise expenses. This cushion protects momentum, reduces new credit usage, and helps negotiations, because creditors respond more favorably when you are not desperate during unexpected life events.