1991-1995 · Zilch for DOS
The original menu-driven interface included multiple payoff strategies, including highest annual percentage rate and quick elimination.
At a glance
Debt Blaster facts
A quick reference for journalists, reviewers, technology partners, podcasters, and content creators.
Debt Blaster for Windows
- ProductDebt Blaster
- CompanyZilchWorks
- FounderMichael J. "Gunny" Riley
- First launched1991
- Original platformDOS, developed with Turbo Pascal
- Current technologyEmbarcadero Delphi FMX
- PlatformsWindows available now; native macOS version coming soon
- Users16,000+
- Debt eliminatedMore than $114 million
- Price$69.99
- Free trialAvailable from DebtBlaster.com
- LocationCape Cod, Massachusetts
Why this story matters
A rare software story
Debt Blaster is not a new idea wrapped in a new name. It is the latest chapter of one independently developed commercial software product that has continued to evolve for 35 years.
One developer
Michael J. Riley has remained the original developer throughout the product's history.
35 years of development
The software progressed from DOS and Turbo Pascal to Windows and Delphi FMX.
Documented history
A 1994 magazine feature and archived software releases provide a visible record of the journey.
16,000+ users
Thousands of people have used Zilch and Debt Blaster to build structured debt payoff plans.
$114 million+
Users have reported eliminating more than $114 million in debt with the help of the software.
A new name, same mission
Zilch became Debt Blaster in 2026, while the core mission remained helping people build a clear payoff plan.
Product timeline
35 years of continuous development
From a DOS application written in Turbo Pascal to a modern Delphi FMX desktop product.
1991
Zilch launches for DOS
Michael J. Riley launches the original version of Zilch, developed with Turbo Pascal.
1994
Featured in Military Lifestyle
Three years after launch, the magazine publishes “Reducing Debt to ‘Zilch’,” introducing the software and its Marine developer to a wider audience.
November 28, 1997
Zilch for Windows is released
An archived ZilchWorks download page identifies Zilch for Windows version 1.3 and its release date.
1999
16-bit and 32-bit editions are available
ZilchWorks offers Zilch Standard and Zilch Professional for 32-bit Windows while continuing to support a 16-bit Windows edition.
2021
Featured on Good Morning America
[placeholder: approved wording, link, image, or video reference for the Good Morning America feature]
2026
Zilch becomes Debt Blaster
The software is rebranded and released for Windows as Debt Blaster, developed with Delphi FMX.
Coming soon
Native macOS version
A native macOS version of Debt Blaster is in development.
Interface evolution
From DOS to Debt Blaster
The interface changed with each generation of personal computing, while the central job remained the same: organize debts and create a workable payoff plan.
1997 · Zilch for Windows
The graphical version brought debt entry, strategy selection, financial analysis, and repayment planning into one screen.
2025 · Final Zilch-era interface
Zilch Standard 34.6 represents the final major visual stage before the Debt Blaster rebrand.
2026 · Debt Blaster
The new brand and updated Delphi FMX interface carry the software into its next chapter.
Archived ZilchWorks website
Archived download page showing Zilch for Windows version 1.3 with a release date of November 28, 1997.
Historical coverage
Three years after launch
In December 1994, Military Lifestyle magazine featured Zilch and its creator, Marine Staff Sergeant Michael J. Riley.
The article described how the software organized debts, prioritized repayment, and helped users roll freed-up payments into the next debt.
“Reducing Debt to ‘Zilch,’” Military Lifestyle, December 1994.
About the product
What Debt Blaster does
Debt Blaster is a desktop debt payoff planner that helps people organize their debts, choose a payoff strategy, and see what to pay next.
It supports debt snowball, debt avalanche, custom payoff order, pledge money, one-off payments, progress tracking, and a month-by-month payoff roadmap.
Everything runs on the user's computer. Debt Blaster does not require users to connect bank accounts or store their debt information in the cloud.
Product links
Debt Blaster exclusive
Meet Dial-A-Date
Dial-A-Date lets users choose the month they want to become debt-free and immediately see the monthly pledge required to reach that target.
Moving the date forward or backward helps users find a plan that fits their budget.
Product screenshots
Debt Blaster for Windows
Select any image to open the full-resolution version.
Technology story
Built with Delphi
Debt Blaster is developed with Embarcadero Delphi FMX. It represents the latest stage in a product history that began with Turbo Pascal in 1991 and continued through multiple generations of Windows development.
The 2026 release demonstrates how an established independent software product can continue evolving while preserving decades of proven debt payoff planning experience.
Founder
About Michael J. "Gunny" Riley
Michael J. "Gunny" Riley is the founder of ZilchWorks and the original developer of Zilch and Debt Blaster.
He launched Zilch in 1991 while serving in the United States Marine Corps. Over the next 35 years, he continued developing the software through DOS, Windows, and the current Delphi FMX generation.
Riley lives on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Media assets
Available materials
The following materials are available for editorial, review, and promotional use.
- Debt Blaster brand assets (logos, icons, and branding)
- Debt Blaster for Windows promotional box shot
- Current Windows application screenshots
- Dial-A-Date product demonstration video
- Historical Zilch screenshots and packaging images
- 1994 Military Lifestyle magazine article
- Debt Blaster fact sheet
- Founder biography and company background
Media contact
Contact Michael
For interviews, product demonstrations, historical background, screenshots, or additional media assets:
Michael J. "Gunny" Riley
Founder, ZilchWorks
Cape Cod, Massachusetts