Start Here
New here? This is your roadmap. Figure out where you are, then follow the path built for your situation.
Welcome to PaydownHQ
PaydownHQ exists for one reason: to give you the tools, strategies, and clear information you need to get out of debt and take control of your financial life — without the fluff, the shame, or the $500 courses.
Everything here is free. Everything is practical. Let’s get to work.
Where are you right now?
Pick the path that fits your situation. Each one has a curated set of guides and tools built specifically for where you are.
😰 Path 1: I’m Overwhelmed
You’re drowning in debt, feeling stuck, and don’t know where to start. Maybe you’ve tried to tackle this before and quit. That’s okay. This path starts from zero.
Start with these:
- 📖 Debt Snowball vs. Avalanche: Which Method Is Right for You?
- 📖 How to Pay Off $10,000 in Debt: A 12-Month Plan
- 🛠️ Free Debt Payoff Calculator — see your exact payoff date
Time to first win: 30 days or less if you follow the plan.
📋 Path 2: I Have a Plan
You’re already paying down debt but want to go faster and smarter. You want to optimize — find extra money, reduce interest, and tighten the strategy.
Level up with these:
- 📖 Debt Consolidation vs. Balance Transfer: Which Saves More?
- 📖 The 50/30/20 Budget Rule: Modified for Debt Payoff
- 📖 How Long Will It Actually Take? (The Real Math)
Small optimizations here can shave months or years off your timeline.
📈 Path 3: Fix My Credit
Your credit score is hurting you — high interest rates, loan denials, or you just want to know your options. This path is focused on moving the needle fast.
Start rebuilding here:
- 📖 How to Raise Your Credit Score 100 Points
- 📖 Browse all Credit Score guides →
- 🛠️ Debt Calculator — lower debt = better score
Most people see measurable score improvements within 60–90 days.
The Free Tool That Changes Everything
Most people have no idea when they’ll actually be debt-free. Our calculator shows you the exact date — and what happens when you pay even $50 more per month.
📅
Your Payoff Date
See the exact month and year you’ll be debt-free based on your current payments.
💸
Total Interest You’ll Pay
Find out exactly how much interest you’re giving away — and how to cut it.
⚡
Snowball vs. Avalanche
Side-by-side comparison of both strategies so you can pick the right one.
Most Popular Guides
The most-read articles on PaydownHQ, ranked by how much they move the needle.
⚖️
Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: Which Method Will Get You Out of Debt Faster?
The foundational comparison every debt payoff journey starts with. Which strategy saves more money — and which one you’ll actually stick to.
💰
How to Pay Off $10,000 in Debt: A Realistic 12-Month Plan
A month-by-month breakdown of exactly how to eliminate $10k in debt within a year — with real numbers and an actionable game plan.
📊
How to Raise Your Credit Score 100 Points: A Step-by-Step Guide
The five factors that determine your score and the exact actions — in priority order — that move the needle fastest.
🔄
Debt Consolidation Loans vs. Balance Transfers: Which Saves More Money?
A side-by-side comparison with real dollar amounts so you can choose the option that actually saves you the most.
Ready to see your debt-free date?
Enter your debts into our free calculator and get your personalized payoff plan in under 2 minutes.