Debt Strategy Selector
Snowball vs avalanche, quantified
Compare debt payoff methods side by side with timelines, interest costs, and motivation fit. Get a clear plan with month-by-month targets.
INGREDIENTS
PROMPT
Create a skill called "Debt Strategy Selector". Task: compare debt snowball vs debt avalanche and generate an actionable payoff plan. When run: 1) Ask for [currency], [debts] (name, balance, APR, minimum), and [extra_payment_per_month]. 2) Compute payoff schedules for: - Avalanche (highest APR first) - Snowball (lowest balance first) 3) Present: - estimated payoff date and total interest for each - first "quick win" date (snowball) and interest saved (avalanche) 4) Recommend a strategy based on: - interest savings - user's motivation preference (quick wins vs optimization) 5) Output a month-by-month plan: pay minimums on all debts, direct extra to the target debt, roll payments forward. Safety: - Not financial advice. - Do not recommend defaulting; explain tradeoffs and risks.
How It Works
If you have multiple debts, you've probably heard "snowball" (smallest balance
first) and "avalanche" (highest interest first) but can't see the tradeoffs
clearly. This skill runs both calculations, shows you the difference in time
and interest, and recommends the method that fits your motivation style.
What You Get
- Side-by-side payoff comparison (months to payoff + total interest) for snowball vs avalanche
- A recommended strategy with rationale (math + motivation fit)
- A payment plan: minimums on all debts, extra to the target, rollover rule
- A "what if" section showing the impact of extra $50/$100 per month
- A monthly tracking template
Setup Steps
- List each debt: name, balance, APR, and minimum payment
- Decide how much extra you can put toward payoff each month
- Run the skill to see both strategies compared
- Pick your method and automate payments
- Track progress monthly and celebrate milestones
Tips
- Avalanche saves the most money; snowball gives the fastest first win — both work
- The best strategy is the one you'll stick with
- Never stop minimum payments on any debt while targeting another
- Re-run the skill whenever your situation changes (raise, new debt, windfall)