Printable checklist
Debt Elimination Checklist
Stop the bleeding, then pay it down.
Stop new debt
- List every debt (balance, APR, minimum)
- Freeze new credit-card charges
- Build a $1,000 mini emergency fund first
Pick a strategy
- Avalanche = highest APR first (lowest cost)
- Snowball = smallest balance first (most motivation)
- Consider consolidation only if new APR is materially lower
Protect progress
- Keep utilization under 30% on each card
- Automate at least the minimum on every account
- Redirect windfalls to the target debt
Supporting calculators
Finance
Debt Avalanche Calculator
Pay highest APR first for the lowest total interest.
Finance
Debt Snowball Calculator
Pay smallest balance first for fast wins and momentum.
Finance
Debt Consolidation Calculator
Compare current debts to a single consolidation loan.
Finance
Credit Utilization Calculator
Overall and per-card credit utilization ratio for FICO health.