The honest answer is that it depends. Follow this workflow to see what might be a good fit for you. But remember, there may be moments along your financial journey when you have to (temporarily) go against conventional wisdom. 

The snowball can help if debt feels heavy or progress feels slow. Early wins often build momentum and make the process feel more manageable. The avalanche may be a better fit if cash flow is stable and you can handle larger upfront payments. Progress may feel slower at first, but you’re targeting the most expensive debt sooner.

Identify the life stage you’re in. Make one adjustment that moves you in a positive direction. Financial independence isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about knowing what comes next and preparing just enough to meet it confidently.

The key to maintaining a good credit record is to pay everything on time. Stay aware of your debt level, avoid owing more than you can repay, and recognize that digging yourself into a deep financial hole can make it very hard to get out.