Build a Clear Debt Payoff Plan and Get Out of Debt Faster

Stop guessing about debt. Learn the payoff method, build a clear debt payoff plan, and choose the right ZilchWorks tool for your next step.

Learn how the method works first, then start with the free calculator or move deeper with one-time-purchase Windows software. No subscription.

Learn how it works | Browse articles

Zilch Standard debt reduction plan illustration, showing how the debt snowball payoff method works. Zilch Standard debt reduction plan illustration, showing how the debt snowball payoff method works.

Got Debt?
You're Not Alone.

Start with a clear plan, compare payoff options, and choose the ZilchWorks path that helps you keep moving.

35-Year Track Record

Trusted by 16,000+ People

$114 Million in Debt Eliminated

Start with a plan. Keep going with the right tools.

ZilchWorks helps you start with a debt payoff plan, compare payoff options, and move into the right tools when you need more follow-through.

Start Here

If you want to stop guessing about debt and find the best way to attack your debt, these are three good next steps.

Free Calculator

Start online with the free calculator to sketch a first debt payoff plan and compare snowball vs. avalanche.

Use Free Calculator

How ZilchWorks Works

Learn how the payoff method works in plain English before you commit to a tool or product.

Learn How It Works

Stories and Articles

Explore articles, examples, and practical lessons that help explain debt payoff strategy in plain English.

Browse Articles

What People Are Saying

ZilchWorks helps people see the path, stay focused, and make faster progress toward debt freedom.

"The numbers blow my mind - thanks for giving folks the pathway to freedom. This is doable - I visually see it!"

- Lori C., Colorado

"This program is so easy to use... ZilchWorks showed me exactly what to do to reduce my debt as quickly as possible. I am gaining back my financial freedom."

- Kathy McClain, Ed.S., Michigan

Featured on Good Morning America

ZilchWorks was featured on Good Morning America for helping people build a clear debt payoff plan and get out of debt faster.

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Watch the video

Choose Your Starting Point

Start with the free calculator, then move deeper if you want saved plans, printable reports, or business-ready features.

Free

$0

  • Build a personal debt payoff plan online
  • Unlimited debts and creditors
  • Avalanche or Snowball payoff strategy
  • Pledge Money Accelerator
  • Downloadable CSV payment schedule
  • No credit card required
  • Available online on phone, tablet, or computer

Professional

$295.95

  • Create client-ready debt payoff plans for coaching or counseling
  • Up to 30 debts and creditors
  • Avalanche, Snowball, or Custom payoff strategy plus 4 others
  • Pledge Money Accelerator
  • Save and load multiple plans
  • Dial-a-Date (Pick your payoff date)
  • Debt Analysis Tool
  • Loan Calculators
  • Investment Calculators
  • Report Builder Branding Tool
  • Data entry worksheet
  • Detailed printable reports
  • Online help
  • Licensed for business use
  • One-time purchase (no subscription)
  • Requires Microsoft Windows

A Special Note from Michael Riley

When I built ZilchWorks back in 1991, I was not thinking about marketing slogans or industry buzzwords. I was thinking about people who needed a way out of debt, because I knew what that felt like myself.

What people need most is not more noise. They need a clear plan they can trust and follow. That is why I built ZilchWorks in the first place, and that is still what drives me today.

That is also why there is a free calculator to help people start, along with deeper Windows software for people who want more follow-through.

Here is why I made a free version:

  • Because debt already costs you enough.
  • Because not everyone can afford the full Windows product, but everyone deserves a real chance to get out of debt.
  • Because a clear plan can change more than your finances. It can change your confidence, your choices, and your future.

I have walked this road myself. I know how heavy debt can feel. If this free calculator helps you see a way forward, then it is doing exactly what I hoped it would do.

Michael Riley, USMC Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.) & Founder of ZilchWorks

We Believe

These are the ideas behind ZilchWorks and the people we serve.

Life is better without debt.

A clear plan changes everything.

Courage begins with a single choice.

Rock bottom is only temporary.

Nobody is perfect. Everyone deserves a second chance.

We make things right when we can - and own it when we fall short.

Each of us has a pilot light.

Anyone can get out of debt. Even you.