Debt Payoff Calculator
Add your debts, set your monthly budget, and see exactly when you will be debt-free. Compares Snowball and Avalanche strategies side by side so you can pick the one that fits.
Your debts
You just saw a snapshot. Unburden tracks the whole journey.
Your debts change. Your payments shift. This calculator does not update with you. The Unburden app does.
| Feature | This Calculator | Unburden App |
|---|---|---|
| Debt-free date projection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Snowball vs Avalanche comparison | ✓ | ✓ |
| Month-by-month schedule | ✓ | ✓ |
| Update balances as you pay | ✗ | ✓ |
| Momentum strategy | ✗ | ✓ |
| Burden Score (0-100) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Smart strategy recommendations | ✗ | ✓ |
| What-if scenarios | ✗ | ✓ |
| Payment reminders | ✗ | ✓ |
| Daily Cost Counter | ✗ | ✓ |
| Milestone share cards | ✗ | ✓ |
| 100% device-local data | N/A | ✓ |
There is a third strategy.
Momentum is mathematically constrained to match or beat Avalanche on total interest, while giving you the quick wins that keep you going. It dynamically adapts to your specific debt profile. Only in the Unburden app.
You know when you will be debt-free. Now track your way there.
How this debt payoff calculator works
Enter each debt with its current balance, annual interest rate (APR), and minimum monthly payment. Then add any extra money you can throw at your debt each month. The calculator runs two simulations side by side so you can compare the cost of each strategy before you commit.
The Snowball method
Snowball orders your debts from smallest balance to largest. All extra money goes toward the smallest debt first. When it is paid off, that entire payment rolls into the next smallest. You get quick wins early, which keeps you motivated. Research from the Harvard Business Review found that people who focus on small wins first are more likely to follow through on their debt payoff plan.
The Avalanche method
Avalanche orders your debts from highest interest rate to lowest. All extra money goes toward the most expensive debt first. This method minimizes total interest paid, which means you pay less over the life of your debts. The tradeoff is that your first win might take longer to arrive.
Which one should you choose?
Avalanche saves more money. Snowball builds more momentum. The honest answer is that the method you stick with is the one that works. If seeing a debt disappear in month two keeps you going, Snowball might be worth the extra interest. If you are disciplined and motivated by math, Avalanche will save you the most.
There is a third option. Unburden's Momentum strategy is mathematically constrained to match or beat Avalanche on total interest while giving you the quick wins of Snowball. It dynamically adapts to your specific debt profile. Only available in the app.
Why a calculator is not enough
A calculator gives you a snapshot. It tells you what would happen if everything stays exactly the same: same balances, same rates, same payments, every month until the end. That is useful for the first ten seconds.
Real debt does not work that way. You make an extra payment one month. You miss one the next. Your rate goes up. You consolidate two cards. A calculator cannot keep up with that. You need something that updates as your life changes and keeps you on track when you fall behind.
Unburden is the app this calculator wishes it could be. Update your balances as you pay them down. Watch your Burden Score drop in real time. Get reminders before due dates. Run what-if scenarios to see what happens if you throw an extra $200 at your debt next month. It is free to start and your financial data never leaves your device.
What is the Burden Score?
Your credit score measures your value to lenders. The Burden Score measures your risk to yourself. It is a 0-100 score built on five proprietary stress signals that capture how much pressure your debt is actually putting on your life. A 780 credit score and a Critical Burden Score can exist on the same person.
This calculator can tell you when you will be debt-free. The Burden Score tells you how vulnerable you are right now. You can find yours free in the Unburden app in about 60 seconds.
Common questions
Disclaimer: Unburden is a planning tool, not a financial advisor. The calculations above are estimates based on the information you provide and assume consistent monthly payments at fixed interest rates. Actual results will vary based on individual circumstances, rate changes, and payment behavior. The Burden Score is an educational estimate, not financial advice. If you are struggling with debt, consider speaking with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee.