The Reality Reports

Understand How The Debt Snowball Works: The debt snowball method helps you pay off debts from the smallest balance to the largest. You continue making the minimum payment on every account. Any extra money goes toward the smallest debt. After paying that balance in full, you add its entire payment to the amount going toward the next debt. This method creates quick victories that may help you remain motivated. However, it can cost more in total interest than paying the highest-interest debt first. The best method is one you can follow consistently. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains this tradeoff .

A Trade Between Time And Interest: A certificate of deposit, or CD, is a savings account offered by a bank or credit union. You deposit money for a set period, called the term. In return, the financial institution pays interest. CD terms may range from a few months to several years. You generally agree not to withdraw the money until the maturity date. Taking it out early usually results in a penalty. This trade makes CDs useful for money you want to protect but will not need immediately.