What are the steps to creating a debt snowball plan?

@mikel 

1. List all your debts: Begin by gathering all the information about your debts, including the balance and interest rate for each one. Make a comprehensive list of all your debts, including credit card debt, student loans, car loans, personal loans, and any other debts you may have.
2. Order your debts: Organize your list in order of either smallest to largest balance or highest to lowest interest rate. The debt snowball method typically recommends starting with the smallest balance first, as it helps create a sense of accomplishment and motivation when you quickly eliminate a debt.
3. Set a budget: Determine how much money you can allocate towards your debt payments each month. This requires creating a budget and evaluating your income and expenses to identify areas where you can cut back and free up extra money to put towards your debt.
4. Pay minimum payments: Make sure you continue paying the minimum payments on all your debts to avoid any negative consequences, such as late fees or damage to your credit score.
5. Put extra money towards the smallest debt: After paying the minimum payments, take any additional money you have available and apply it towards the smallest debt on your list. This can include using any extra income, cutting back on discretionary expenses, or finding ways to increase your income.
6. Snowball payments: As you pay off the smallest debt, take the total amount you were paying towards it (minimum payment + extra payment) and add it to the minimum payment of the next smallest debt on your list. This "snowballs" the payment amount, allowing you to pay off the next debt more quickly.
7. Repeat and reassess: Continue this process, focusing on one debt at a time, until all your debts are paid off. Regularly reassess your budget to ensure you are still on track and make adjustments as necessary.

Remember that the debt snowball plan is just one method, and there are other approaches like the debt avalanche method that prioritize paying off debts with the highest interest rates first. Choose the method that best suits your financial situation and provides the motivation you need to stay committed to paying off your debts.