If you have no buffer
Build a starter cushion before sending every spare dollar to debt.
Decision guide
Emergency fund or debt payoff?
The right answer depends on whether the next emergency would create more debt.
If high APR is draining you
After a starter buffer, high-interest debt can become the priority.
Sources and further reading
Verify the fundamentals.
Use official sources for rules, rights, account safety, taxes, retirement accounts, and country-specific details. Finelo pages are educational and should be checked against current local guidance.