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Debt snowball apps vs spreadsheet

Snowball (smallest balance first) and avalanche (highest rate first) both work if you keep paying. Apps add nudges; a spreadsheet adds clarity and zero subscription. Pick the one you will update after a slow client month.

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Quick comparison

Option	Best for	Watch-outs	Cost vibe
Undebt.it / similar planners	What-if payoff timelines online	Another login; data in someone else’s UI	Freemium · affiliate placeholder
Debt payoff apps (mobile)	Push reminders and visual “wins”	Subscriptions; snowball-only lock-in	Paid app · affiliate placeholder
Banking / budgeting apps with debt tabs	Everything-in-one money dashboard	Debt math can be shallow	Subscription · affiliate placeholder
Excel / Sheets tracker	Snowball + avalanche side-by-side, printable	Manual updates unless you import	Free / one-time template

When an app wins

• You need reminders more than you need custom columns
• Seeing a progress bar on your phone keeps you honest
• You already pay for a budgeting suite that includes debt tools

When a spreadsheet wins

• You want snowball and avalanche scenarios in one file
• Freelance income is lumpy — you adjust extra payments monthly by hand
• You share the plan with a partner without inviting them into an app

Pair with a budget

Debt payoff dies without a place for the extra dollars to come from. Soft path: EveryDollar vs Excel or YNAB vs spreadsheet, then a dedicated payoff tracker.