How to read this simulator

There is no Calculate button on purpose. Every field above, and the slider below it, updates the chart and the two result cards the moment you touch them — add a debt, change a rate, drag the slider, and everything on the page recomputes instantly.

The two cards compare Snowball and Avalanche using your exact numbers, not generic examples. “Debt-free by” is the month all of your debts reach zero under that strategy. “First debt cleared” is the single most motivating number in the whole tool: it tells you which specific debt disappears first, and when.

The chart below plots your total remaining balance across both strategies on the same real calendar, not an abstract month count. Each dot marks the month one specific debt hits zero — hover over a dot to see which one.

Whenever you change a number, a small “You just changed” panel appears above the cards, showing exactly what moved and by how much — so you can feel the effect of every extra dollar you consider putting toward your debt.

Use Reset to return to the example numbers at any point and start over with your own.