How to Make a Debt Payoff Plan in 5 Steps

1. List every debt. Name, balance, interest rate, minimum payment. Pull the numbers from your latest statements — guesses make bad plans.
2. Find your extra. Even $25–$50 a month changes the debt-free date. Look at subscriptions, eating out, and anything you can sell.
3. Pick snowball or avalanche. Compare both in the calculator.
4. Automate the minimums. Set autopay for the minimum on every account so a late fee never undoes your progress. Pay the extra to the target debt by hand so you see it happen.
5. Track it where you can see it. A paper chart on the fridge that you color in each payday is surprisingly powerful. Print your plan from the calculator, or use a color-in chart.

Stop adding new debt

A plan only works if the balances are not growing behind you. Many people put the cards somewhere inconvenient and keep a small cash buffer for surprises so a flat tire does not go on the Visa.