Money Moves > Minimum Payments

Let’s be honest. Minimum payments don’t build freedom. They build frustration.

One of the biggest roadblocks to our financial future is the cost of our past — debt. And it comes in all shapes and sizes: mortgages, car notes, student loans… But the most annoying of them all? Consumer debt.

That’s right — those credit cards we used to fund a life (or lifestyle) we couldn’t actually afford. And don’t get me wrong — I’ve been there too. Sometimes it wasn’t even about balling out at the mall or the club. For some of us, those cards were lifelines. I’m talking about paying the light bill or grabbing enough groceries to get the family through the week. Survival mode swipes.

But we all know that gut-punch feeling when the statement hits our inbox — especially when we see the interest stacked on top. With APRs pushing 25–30%, it’s hard to stomach. Even worse when you can only make the minimum payment, and most of that gets swallowed by interest alone. And believe me, those credit card companies know exactly what they’re doing — especially the ones preying on college campuses.

But this post isn’t about them. (We’ll get to them later.)

Today, we’re talking about how to turn your money moves into momentum — how to start paying down, and eventually pay off, those credit cards once and for all. Because once you do, that money can finally start working for you — not the banks.

We’re breaking down a few methods you can use to pay down — and eventually pay off — your credit cards. Because once you do, that money can start working for you through emergency funds, investments, and actual wealth building — not just paying off yesterday’s decisions.

When I say “pay down,” I also mean getting to that sweet spot most credit experts recommend — keeping your credit utilization under 30%. For example: if you’ve got a card with a $1,000 limit, aim to keep your balance around $300 or less. That’s where your credit score starts to breathe again.

To help get you there, two of the most popular payoff strategies are:

The Snowball Method and The Avalanche Method.

The Snowball Method

Let’s start with the one that’s all about momentum — the Snowball Method.

Here’s how it works:

1. List all your debts from smallest to largest balance — ignore the interest rates for now.

2. Keep making minimum payments on everything except the smallest one.

3. Throw every extra dollar you can find at that smallest debt until it’s gone.

4. Once it’s paid off, roll that payment into the next one — like a snowball gaining size and speed downhill.

Why it works: Quick wins.

Paying off that first card gives you a real sense of progress. It’s motivating. You start seeing results early, and that momentum pushes you to keep going.

Why it might not be ideal: you could end up paying a bit more in interest over time, especially if your larger balances have higher rates. But for many people, the emotional win outweighs the math.

Think of this one as “psychology meets finance.” It’s about proving to yourself — one balance at a time — that you can do this.

The Avalanche Method

Now let’s talk strategy — The Avalanche Method.

Here’s the play:

1. List all your debts from highest to lowest interest rate.

2. Make minimum payments on all of them, except the one with the highest interest rate.

3. Hit that top-rate balance with everything you’ve got.

4. Once that’s gone, move to the next highest rate, and so on.

Why it works: Efficiency.

You save more money in the long run because you’re eliminating the most expensive debt first. Less interest = more cash in your pocket.

Why it might feel harder: you might not get that early “win” like the snowball method gives you, especially if your highest-interest debt is also your biggest balance. But make no mistake — this is the method the numbers love.

Think of this one as “logic meets patience.” It’s about delayed gratification and playing the long game.

Which One Should You Choose?

Honestly? The best method is the one you’ll stick with.

If you need that quick momentum and visible progress — go Snowball.

If you’re more motivated by saving the most money — go Avalanche.

Either way, the goal is the same: to stop paying interest to someone else and start investing in you.

Because once you’re out from under those balances, that same $200, $300, or $600 you were sending to the banks every month can start building your own future — not theirs.

And that’s the move.

From debt payments → wealth payments.

From survival mode → ownership mode.

This Week’s Move: Discipline > Drip

Let’s keep it real — paying off debt isn’t easy. It takes patience, consistency, and yeah… a little sacrifice.

You might have to tell Starbucks to chill for a minute.

You might need to pause that extra streaming service (do you really need five?).

Those small cuts might sting at first — but every dollar you free up gets you closer to financial breathing room.

And that’s the whole point.

Because every “nah, I’m good” to a quick purchase is a “yes” to your future freedom. Use that extra cash to knock down your balances faster. Then, when the dust settles, redirect that same money into something that builds. Your emergency fund, your investment account, or even your education — whether that’s a book on investing, entrepreneurship, or personal growth.

The truth is, building wealth isn’t just about money management — it’s about mindset management.

The goal isn’t to live with less forever. It’s to make the short-term sacrifices now so you can live with more options later.

So this week’s move is simple:

Find one thing you can cut, cancel, or pause — and put that money toward your debt. It’s not punishment. It’s positioning. Because when your debt starts shrinking, your peace starts expanding. And that’s when the real wealth begins.