Conventional wisdom says you should always pay off high-interest debt first. It’s “mathematically optimal.” But here’s the problem: you’re not a spreadsheet.

If you’ve ever tried the avalanche method—tackling the highest interest rate first—you know it can feel like you’re doing the “right” thing while still making no progress. That’s because what’s smart on paper can backfire in real life, especially if it crushes your motivation.

The Avalanche Method: Why It’s Not for Everyone

In theory, avalanche saves you the most money. In practice, it can feel like you’re throwing cash into a black hole. High-interest debts are often the biggest ones, which means it takes longer to see wins. No quick wins = no dopamine. No dopamine = you quit.

And when your brain doesn’t get that reward of knocking something off the list, it starts asking: “Why am I even doing this?”

When the Math Fails the Motivation Test

Let’s say you owe:

• $6,800 on a 24% credit card
• $900 on a 6% personal loan
• $1,200 on a 0% medical bill

Technically, you should hit the credit card first. But what if that $900 loan is causing family stress? Or the $1,200 bill is keeping you up at night because it’s tied to a medical scare? If you feel no emotional relief while making the “right” choice, you’re unlikely to stick with it.

The Better Question: What Will You Stick With?

Paying off debt is more about consistency than perfection. That’s why so many people succeed with methods that prioritize momentum over math.

Enter the hybrid method: Pay off one or two small balances first to build confidence. Then pivot to the high-interest stuff once your brain feels safe and motivated again.

When Interest Isn’t the Biggest Cost

There’s more than one kind of cost. Emotional stress, damaged relationships, and lost sleep are expensive, too. If the avalanche method keeps you stuck in analysis paralysis or makes you feel like nothing’s changing, that’s a hidden cost most finance gurus never talk about.

What Actually Works

You’re not wrong for wanting to save money. But you also have to protect your energy. The “best” plan is the one you’ll follow for more than two weeks. That might mean starting small, focusing on emotional triggers, or customizing your payoff order.

Want to see which method fits your brain best? Read: How to Pay Off Debt When You’re Not a “Debt Snowball” Person. It breaks down real-world strategies that balance motivation, emotion, and math—so you can actually get out of debt without burning out.