Choose between avalanche and snowball

ClarityTrack supports two payoff strategies: avalanche (pay off the highest APR first, saves the most interest) and snowball (pay off the smallest balance first, builds momentum). You choose and switch conversationally: ask Clarity to compare them with your actual numbers, then tell it which one to use.

How to do it

1. Ask Clarity "avalanche or snowball for my debts?" - it compares both with your real balances and rates.
2. Say "switch me to avalanche" (or snowball) and confirm the preview.
3. Ask "which debts cost me most?" any time to see your payoff order under the active strategy.

What each strategy optimizes for

Avalanche

Targets the highest APR first. Saves the most money in interest over the full payoff period. Best when the math matters more to you than the psychology.

Snowball

Targets the smallest balance first. You see debts disappear faster, which builds momentum and motivation. Best when you want quick wins to stay engaged with the process.

Common questions

Which one is right for me?

The right answer depends on whether you respond more to math or to momentum. Ask Clarity to compare both strategies with your actual debts ("compare avalanche and snowball for my debts"). Clarity will show months to payoff, total interest paid, and the recommended order for each.

Can I switch strategies later?

Yes. The strategy choice affects the recommended payment order but does not lock you in. You can switch any time and see the impact immediately.

Does the strategy change how my projections work?

The projection model is fixed (avalanche order is used internally for the projected debt-free date) but the recommended payment order in the UI reflects whichever strategy you chose. The projected date is the same either way for the same total monthly payment.