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THE BUDGETING WIZARD

Adding debts in Credit Shield (Step 2)

Step 2 is where you list every debt. The minimums you enter here flow straight into Debt Destroyer and the zero-sum counter.

3 min read

Credit Shield is the single source of truth for every debt you owe. Each row captures four fields: name (e.g., "Visa 3421"), current balance, interest rate (APR), and minimum payment. Add one row per debt using the "Add debt" button.

Why minimums matter

The minimum payment you enter here is automatically carved out of your income in the zero-sum header. Step 9 (Debt Destroyer) then uses it as the floor — anything extra you allocate becomes the "snowball" or "avalanche" attack amount on your priority debt.

Heads up

If your minimum payment is lower than the monthly interest accrual, the app flashes a warning on that row. That debt will grow even if you pay the minimum. See the "minimum doesn't cover interest" article for what to do.

Tip

Skip mortgages here. Treat the mortgage as shelter in Step 3. Credit Shield is for consumer debt: credit cards, student loans, car loans, personal loans.

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