Should I use avalanche or snowball?
Avalanche minimizes interest. Snowball maximizes early wins. PsyFi helps you pick a strategy you will actually stick to.
Behavioral lens: Present bias
Debt Payoff Planner
Compare avalanche vs snowball side by side. See total interest, payoff time, and willpower risk. Plus a behavioral lens on present bias so the math matches your mindset.
Educational estimates only. Not personalized advice. Data targets 2026 Canadian rules.
Your debts
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Avalanche method
Highest APR first. Mathematically optimal.
- Debt-free in
- 2y 11m
- Total interest
- $2,345
Payoff order: Credit card → Car loan
Snowball method
Smallest balance first. Quick wins for motivation.
- Debt-free in
- 2y 11m
- Total interest
- $2,345
Payoff order: Credit card → Car loan
Willpower depletion warning
Avalanche takes more than 14 months to clear your first debt. That gap kills momentum for many people. Consider snowball until you get a win, then switch back.
Behavioral lens: Present bias
Present bias in debt payoff
Snowball wins on motivation. Avalanche wins on math. Present bias pushes you toward quick wins even when high-interest debt bleeds you longer. Knowing your willpower horizon matters.
Pick a payoff path you will stick to
PsyFi gamifies debt milestones so present bias works for you, not against you.
Build my debt plan in PsyFiFAQ
Is this PsyFi calculator free?
Yes. Every PsyFi free tool runs in your browser with no signup. We built them to pair accurate Canadian math with behavioral science, not to gate basic estimates behind an account.
Does PsyFi store what I type?
No. Inputs stay on your device. Nothing you enter is sent to PsyFi servers.
Is this personalized financial advice?
No. These are educational estimates using published Canadian rules for 2026. They are not tax, legal, mortgage, or immigration advice. Confirm current rates and your situation with qualified professionals before acting.
Estimates for education only. Not financial, tax, mortgage, immigration, or legal advice. Canadian rules and rates change. Verify current figures with qualified professionals before making decisions. PsyFi tools add behavioral context; they do not replace personalized planning.