Debt is one of the biggest stress points for South African families. The Debt Snowball is a simple, proven method to pay off debt faster — and it works especially well if you struggle with motivation.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
List your debts smallest to largest
Write down every debt you owe, regardless of interest rate. Include store accounts, credit cards, personal loans, and any other outstanding balances. Order them from smallest amount to largest.
- 2
Pay the minimum on all except the smallest
Focus all extra money on the smallest debt while keeping up minimums elsewhere.
- 3
Celebrate quick wins
Once the smallest debt is gone, roll that payment into the next one.
- 4
Keep momentum going
Each time a debt is cleared, your "snowball" grows, helping you crush bigger debts faster.
Example
Your debts:
- • R1,200 clothing account
- • R4,500 credit card
- • R22,000 personal loan
Why it works
It's not just maths — it's psychology. Small wins build motivation, making it easier to stick to the plan.
Takeaway: By starting small and building momentum, South Africans can clear debt faster and reduce stress step by step.