Debt payoff comparison

Estimate months and interest when extra payments go to highest rate versus smallest balance.

Avalanche versus snowball extra payments can change what is debt retirement balance over time. This is an educational household finances illustration.

Labels the illustrated state and tax-year pack. This tool’s numbers do not change with state income tax. Medicare, HSA, 401(k), and RMD rules stay federal.

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Nothing is saved. Leaving this page restores the example.

Example report

Illustrated results

Avalanche months

37

Avalanche interest

$2,834

Snowball months

39

Snowball interest

$3,418

Remaining balance over time

Assumptions

  • Avalanche applies extra payments to the highest interest rate first. Snowball applies extra to the smallest balance first.
  • Interest is charged monthly. This ignores fees, variable rates, and credit-score effects.
  • Rule year 2026: IRS federal income tax (2026-rev-proc-2025-32) and California state rules (2026-enacted-v1; progressive income tax). Medicare IRMAA, HSA, 401(k), and RMD tables are federal.

Educational planning software—not investment, tax, legal, Medicare, or Social Security advice. Projections depend on your inputs and assumptions. Optional professional review is separate when available.

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