<prompt> Human: I graduated in 2011 with around 13k in student loans. Right now, I work a job making roughly 30k a year and I have around 20k in the bank. I am also considering investing in a home soon. Right now, I dont have a house payment or rent. My question is: should I just go ahead and use 13k to pay off my student loans? I dont have other debt right now aside from a car note and insurances. I think I could maybe swing it but Im hoping only having 7k left wont hurt me in the long run. Perhaps it would be better to invest and worry about loans later? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.  <response>: If you really want to buy a house within a year, you probably cant pay back your loans unless its a very cheap house. Youll need all that money for the down payment and the closing costs. Buying a home is expensive!That being said, I think it would be much more financially savvy of you to pay off your loans right now, continue living rent free to save up money, and buy a home two years from now instead. 