Enter your debts. We compare snowball, avalanche, and HELOC consolidation side by side — then tell you exactly which one wins for your numbers.
Pay minimums on everything. Throw every extra dollar at your smallest balance first. When it's gone, roll that payment into the next smallest debt. The math isn't optimal — but the psychology often is. Quick wins keep people on track.
Target your highest interest rate first regardless of balance. Mathematically, this saves the most money. If your credit card is at 24% APR, every month you don't attack it first is money burned. Best for people who won't quit when early progress feels slow.
Making minimum payments feels like progress. It isn't. On a $5,000 credit card at 22% APR, minimum payments alone stretch your payoff to 17+ years and cost you more than double in interest. The calculator above shows you exactly how much minimum payments are costing you — and how much an extra $100–200/month changes everything.
You have high-interest debt (15%+ APR) and home equity available. A HELOC typically runs 8–10% — potentially cutting your rate in half. One payment, one rate, one payoff date. If you have solid equity and discipline not to reload the credit cards after consolidating, this can save thousands.
A HELOC is secured by your house. Miss payments on a credit card, your credit score takes a hit. Miss payments on a HELOC, you can lose your home. Only consolidate to a HELOC if your income is stable, the rate spread is meaningful, and you'll close the credit cards after paying them off.