Debt Free.
Mathematically Proven.

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"Get Clarity on your Debt. Make the Decision to be Free."

The most secure way to visualize your freedom date using Snowball or Avalanche strategies.

Configuration
Snowball (Fast Wins)
Avalanche (Save Money)
$200
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DEBT FREE BY
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Interest Saved --
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Minimums Only Forever
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Financial Projection
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Data Table

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Month Date Balance Paid
Monthly Action Plan
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See How It Works: Example Scenario

Imagine you have a $5,000 credit card balance at 18% APR. Paying just the minimum ($100), it will take you over 7 years to pay off.

With Clarity Decisions:

  • You add just $50 extra per month.
  • You choose the Avalanche Method.
  • Result: Debt free in 3 years (saving 4 years of payments).
  • Savings: You save over $2,100 in interest.

Why This Calculator?

  • 100% Private: We don't want your email.
  • Real Math: Uses NPER financial formulas.
  • Instant: No loading screens or signups.

Strategic Debt Repayment Guide

Paying off debt effectively requires more than just making payments; it requires a mathematical strategy. Clarity Decisions provides professional-grade tools usually reserved for financial advisors, completely free, in a privacy-first environment.

Snowball Method Targeting the smallest debt balance first to build psychological momentum. Best for staying motivated.
Avalanche Method Targeting the highest interest rate first to minimize total cost. Best for mathematical optimization.
Consolidation Combining multiple high-interest debts into a single lower-interest loan to reduce monthly payments.

Common Questions

Which debt should I pay off first?
If you need a quick "win" to feel good, pay off the smallest balance (Snowball). If you want to save the most money over time, pay off the debt with the highest interest rate (Avalanche). Our calculator allows you to toggle between both to compare.
Does this tool work for student loans?
Yes. You can enter student loans, credit cards, car finance, and personal loans. We generally recommend prioritizing high-interest consumer debt (credit cards) over lower-interest student loans.
Is my data secure?
Absolutely. Clarity Decisions operates on a "Client-Side" model. This means all calculations happen instantly on your device. We do not have a database, user accounts, or any way to see your financial numbers.

Calculation Methodology (Transparency)

This calculator uses standard NPER (Number of Periods) and PMT (Payment) financial formulas to simulate amortization. It assumes that minimum payments are either a fixed amount or a percentage of the balance. Interest is compounded monthly. Results are estimates for planning purposes.

Debt Destroyer Library

Deep dive guides to help you master your finances.

Mastering the Debt Snowball vs. Avalanche

The Mathematical Difference

The Avalanche Method targets debts with the highest interest rate (APR) first. Mathematically, this is superior because it minimizes the amount of interest that compounds against you. For a typical user with $10k in debt, Avalanche can save $500-$2000 in interest compared to random payments.

The Snowball Method targets debts with the lowest balance first. While this may cost more in interest over time, behavioral finance studies suggest that the "quick wins" of eliminating small debts motivate people to stick to the plan longer.

How to Negotiate Lower Credit Card Interest (Script)

Did you know you can often lower your APR just by asking? Use this script:

  • You: "Hi, I've been a loyal customer for X years. I'm reviewing my finances and noticed my APR is 24%. I've received offers for 0% balance transfer cards from competitors. Before I switch, can you lower my rate to match?"
  • Agent: "I can't do that."
  • You: "I understand. Is there a retention specialist I can speak with? I'd prefer to stay with you if possible."
Debt Consolidation vs. Balance Transfers

Balance Transfers (0% Cards): Best for debts under $10k that you can pay off in 12-18 months. Watch out for the 3-5% transfer fee. If you don't pay it off in time, interest shoots back up.

Consolidation Loans: Better for larger debts ($10k+). These are personal loans with a fixed rate (e.g., 8-12%) used to pay off high-interest cards (20%+). They simplify your life into one monthly payment.

Emergency Mode: When You Can't Pay

If you cannot make minimum payments, stop using the calculator and switch to survival mode. Prioritize your "Four Walls" first:

  1. Food
  2. Utilities
  3. Housing (Rent/Mortgage)
  4. Transportation

Unsecured debts (credit cards) come last. Contact a non-profit credit counselor (like the NFCC) immediately.