When paying off multiple debts, both the Debt Snowball and Debt Avalanche methods require paying the mandatory minimum on every account first—they only differ in where you send your extra payment. Debt Snowball targets the smallest balance first to give you quick psychological wins, while Debt Avalanche targets the highest interest rate (APR) first to minimize total interest paid.
An emergency fund is money set aside for unexpected expenses or a sudden loss of income. A common guideline is to save 3 to 6 months of essential living expenses — but your target depends on your income stability, family responsibilities, and local costs.
The 50/30/20 budget rule divides your take-home income into three groups: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt repayment. Treat it as a starting point, not a strict law.