Add every debt you're carrying, set what you can pay above the minimums, and see snowball vs. avalanche compared side by side — in months and in dollars.
Both methods use the same total payment — every dollar above your minimums, every month. The only thing that changes is which debt gets that extra money first. Avalanche targets your highest interest rate, which is mathematically optimal. Snowball targets your smallest balance, which clears a whole debt off your list faster and tends to keep people motivated longer. Neither is "wrong" — the best method is the one you'll actually stick with.
The snowball method pays off your smallest balance first regardless of interest rate, for quick psychological wins. The avalanche method pays off your highest interest rate first, which minimizes total interest paid. Avalanche is mathematically cheaper; snowball tends to have better follow-through for people who need momentum.
Always pay at least the minimum on every debt to avoid late fees and credit damage, then direct any extra money toward one target debt at a time, chosen by the snowball or avalanche order.
Consolidation can help if it lowers your blended interest rate, but it doesn't create money — you still need the same monthly payment discipline to become debt-free, and some consolidation loans extend your timeline even while lowering the rate.