Fall is in the air; the weather is starting to get colder and the next thing we know we鈥檒l be throwing snowballs again.
Along with winter will come holiday shopping and increased heating bills. Winter may not be a welcome change for many Canadians who are still trying to recover from the debts they鈥檝e acquired during COVID. For those of us in the Insolvency field, we are often asked what the best method is for repaying debts. The thought of winter and debt brings to mind the Snowball Method of debt repayment.
SNOWBALL METHOD*
The snowball method of debt repayment is essentially paying the smallest debts first to build momentum towards paying all debts in full. Here are basic steps to the snowball method of debt repayment:
1. Before you set a repayment plan you first need to look closely at your budget.
- What is your net monthly income?
- What are your average monthly expenses?
Many people are already tracking their income and expenses on a monthly basis, but it is also important to allow for irregular or annual expenses by averaging them over a year to get an estimated monthly cost.
We recommend including savings as an expense item, to allow for yearly and unexpected expenses like vehicle repairs or annual dental appointments. Having funds available for when an emergency comes up or for an expense that isn鈥檛 there every month, will help you stay on track with your repayment plan.
If you need help figuring out your income and expenses you can check out the to get some assistance in preparing your budget.
2. Make a list of your debts, from smallest to biggest balance owing
- Who do you owe (the creditor)?
- How much to you owe?
Now that you have the details of your budget and have summarized your debts you鈥檙e ready to work on your plan to 鈥淔all out of Debt.
3. Every month:
- Pay your living expenses, put the budgeted amount in savings, and continue to make minimum payments on all your debts, except the debt with the smallest balance!
- Put the remaining balance in your budget towards paying down the smallest debt.
- Rinse and repeat 鈥� keep paying the smallest debt until it is paid in full, then move on to the next smallest debt and so on until all your debts are paid in full.
As the snowball (debt repayment) gains momentum downhill you鈥檒l feel the positive energy that comes from seeing the results (your debt volume is shrinking)!
4. Check-in:
It is important to check in with your plan. If your snowball isn鈥檛 gaining momentum and the debt repayment plan isn鈥檛 working for you, it is important to recognize that you鈥檙e struggling and there are other ways to get your finances back on track.
You are not alone, there are professionals who can help. Many people have found relief through MNP Ltd. 鈥� Licensed Insolvency Trustees who will take the time to understand your current situation and provide personalized solutions to meet your exact needs.
*A study at the Boston University found this method has a great success rate. It may not make sense from a financial point of view, but the psychology of small wins helps build the momentum, motivation and consistency required to keep moving forward.
