Why I Feel Dave Ramsey’s Snowball Method Is Not The Best Method – Meet The Avalanche Method

Avalanche vs. Snowball: Why I Favor Paying Down High-Interest Debt First

Dave Ramsey’s financial advice has helped countless people regain control of their finances. His debt snowball method, which prioritizes paying off the smallest debts first, has become widely popular. Dave Ramsey’s snowball method is a popular debt repayment strategy, but it’s not the only option, and it might not be the best fit for everyone.

While I understand the appeal of eliminating smaller debts first for a quick win, I respectfully disagree with this approach. Let’s explore why I prioritize paying off high-interest debts first, also known as the avalanche method.

Understanding the Snowball Method

Before diving into my disagreement, let’s get under the hood and learn the mechanics of Ramsey’s snowball method. The strategy involves listing all debts in ascending order by balance, disregarding the interest rates. You start by throwing as much money as possible at the smallest debt while making minimum payments on the rest. Once the smallest debt is paid off, you move to the next smallest, rolling over the payment from the first debt to create a “snowball” effect until all debts are cleared.

Ramsey argues that this method works not just mathematically but psychologically, offering quick wins that motivate individuals to keep paying off their debts.

The Math Matters: Saving Money on Interest

The core of my argument is simple: high-interest rates cost you more money over time. By focusing on those debts first, you save a significant amount in interest payments. Let’s say you have two credit cards: one with a $1,000 balance at 2% interest and another with a $5,000 balance at 18% interest. Using the snowball method, you’d pay off the $1,000 card first. But, while you’re tackling that smaller debt, the interest on the larger card is racking up much faster.

The avalanche method flips this script. You prioritize the $5,000 card with the higher interest rate. Every dollar you pay towards that debt saves you more money in interest compared to the lower-interest card. In the long run, you’ll end up paying less overall.

Why I Disagree – At a Glance

1. Interest Rates Matter
   • While Ramsey emphasizes psychology, I believe math and logic should also guide our decisions.
   • High-interest debts cost more over time. Ignoring interest rates can be financially detrimental.
   • Paying off high-interest debts first minimizes the overall interest paid.
2. The Opportunity Cost
   • By focusing solely on small balances, we may miss out on opportunities to save money.
   • Imagine two debts: a $1,000 credit card balance at 25% interest and a $5,000 personal loan at 10% interest.
   • The debt snowball would prioritize the credit card, but paying off the personal loan first saves more money in the long run.
3. Individual Circumstances
   • Everyone’s financial situation is unique.
   • For some, the psychological boost of paying off small debts quickly is essential.
   • However, others may prefer a more strategic approach based on interest rates and total cost.

The Case for Interest Rates

My contention with the snowball method lies in its disregard for interest rates. High-interest debts, especially credit card debts, can significantly increase the total repayment amount over time. By focusing on the balance rather than the interest rate, individuals may end up paying significantly more in the long run.

Paying off high-interest debts first — a strategy known as the “Debt Avalanche” — may not provide the same psychological boost as seeing a debt wiped clean quickly. However, it is more efficient financially. Each dollar paid towards a high-interest debt saves more in future interest charges than a dollar paid towards a lower-interest debt. This can shorten the debt repayment period and reduce the total amount paid.

When Might the Snowball Method Make Sense?

Despite my reservations, I acknowledge scenarios where Ramsey’s snowball method could make sense. For individuals who struggle with maintaining motivation or who feel overwhelmed by their debt, the psychological wins provided by the snowball method can be invaluable. Paying off small debts quickly can boost confidence and commitment to a debt-free journey.

Moreover, if the difference in interest rates between debts is negligible, the snowball method’s benefits could outweigh the costs. In such cases, the motivational aspect might lead to a faster debt repayment than a more mathematically optimal approach would.

An Alternative Approach

1. The Debt Avalanche
   • Consider the debt avalanche method.
   • List debts by interest rate, paying off the highest-rate debt first.
   • This approach minimizes interest costs and maximizes financial efficiency.
2. Hybrid Strategies
   • Why not combine psychology and math?
   • Start with the debt snowball to gain momentum.
   • As you progress, shift toward the debt avalanche to optimize savings.

In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Ramsey’s debt snowball method works for many, but it’s essential to evaluate your circumstances. Whether you prioritize psychology or mathematics, the key is to stay committed to your debt payoff journey.

Personal finance is just that — personal. For those who are more motivated by numbers and efficiency, focusing on high-interest debts first might make more financial sense.

Ultimately, the best debt repayment strategy is one that you can stick with. Whether it’s the snowball method, the avalanche method, or a hybrid of both, the key is consistency and commitment.