Getting out of debt and saving at the same time is hard to plan in your head. This planner builds a month-by-month payoff plan, compares smallest balance first with highest interest first, and shows whether your emergency fund and goals are on track.
Nothing hidden here. You can read how the payoff plan works right now, tab by tab. Pair it with our household budget planner and both sides of the job are covered.
What the Debt Payoff and Savings Goal Planner does
- Up to 15 debts: credit cards, car, student, personal, medical, HELOC and other
- Minimums as a dollar amount, a percent of balance, or the greater of both
- Month-by-month payoff plan with rollover, so freed-up payments go to the next debt
- Compare smallest balance first, highest interest first, your own order and minimums only
- A clear warning when a payment doesn't cover the interest
- Emergency fund target, months to goal and estimated date
- Up to 10 savings goals with the monthly amount needed and On track or Behind
What's inside
9 tabs: Start Here, Dashboard, Debts, Payoff Plan, Schedule, Emergency Fund, Savings Goals, Plan Math, Lists.
Who it's for
Anyone paying down cards and loans who wants a date to aim for, and a plan for saving at the same time.
What you get
Two spreadsheet files (.xlsx): one filled with examples so you can see exactly how it works, and a blank copy ready for your household. For Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. No macros, no subscription.
The formulas are locked, so a stray keystroke can't break them. You only type in the yellow cells.
What you need to use it
- Microsoft Excel 2010 or newer, on Windows or Mac, including Microsoft 365
- Or Google Sheets in any web browser, free with a Google account
- A laptop or desktop works best for setup. Phones and tablets are fine for checking numbers and quick entries.
- No macros, add-ins or internet connection needed once it's downloaded. Apple Numbers isn't supported.
Every result is an estimate, not financial advice. Rates, prices and lender rules vary, so check big decisions with your lender or a financial professional.
Questions
Why isn't my mortgage on it?
Mortgages are left out on purpose. Use the Mortgage Payoff and Home Equity Planner for that.
Snowball or avalanche?
Smallest balance first clears small debts fast for quicker wins. Highest interest first usually costs less in interest. The planner shows both for your debts.
Is there a blank version?
Yes. Every download has two files: one filled with examples so you can see how everything works, and a blank copy ready for your own household. Your rates and settings come filled in as a starting point, so change them to match yours.
Can I change the formulas?
The gray formula cells are locked so they can't be erased by accident. If you really want to change one, open Review in Excel and choose Unprotect Sheet. There's no password.
Does it work in Google Sheets?
Yes. Upload the file to Google Drive and open it with Google Sheets. The math works the same. Locks don't carry over, so just type in the yellow cells.
How do Free Lifetime Updates work?
Whenever we release a new version, you can download it free from your account, forever. We'll email you when there's something new.
