diff --git a/src/lib/balances.ts b/src/lib/balances.ts
index 74eae78..70fea3f 100644
--- a/src/lib/balances.ts
+++ b/src/lib/balances.ts
@@ -82,13 +82,29 @@ export function getPublicBalances(reimbursements: Reimbursement[]): Balances {
   return balances
 }
 
+/**
+ * A comparator that is stable across reimbursements.
+ * This ensures that a participant executing a suggested reimbursement
+ * does not result in completely new repayment suggestions.
+ */
+function compareBalancesForReimbursements(b1: any, b2: any): number {
+  // positive balances come before negative balances
+  if (b1.total > 0 && 0 > b2.total) {
+    return -1
+  } else if (b2.total > 0 && 0 > b1.total) {
+    return 1
+  }
+  // if signs match, sort based on userid
+  return b1.participantId < b2.participantId ? -1 : 1
+}
+
 export function getSuggestedReimbursements(
   balances: Balances,
 ): Reimbursement[] {
   const balancesArray = Object.entries(balances)
     .map(([participantId, { total }]) => ({ participantId, total }))
     .filter((b) => b.total !== 0)
-  balancesArray.sort((b1, b2) => b2.total - b1.total)
+  balancesArray.sort(compareBalancesForReimbursements)
   const reimbursements: Reimbursement[] = []
   while (balancesArray.length > 1) {
     const first = balancesArray[0]