<prompt> Human: I have a great job in my field genetic counselling after 7 years of college. American citizen living in the UK. Am coming up to 6 months working and feel like Im seriously treading water and cant see an end. My financial quality of life is worse than when I was a student and I cant see out. Loan summary all federal student loans, mix of under and post-grad: 1-01, 7,774.11 6.55 1-02, 4,484.22 5.75 1-03, 4,473.78 4.25 1-04, 8,186.10 6.55 1-05, 1,606.08 6.55 1-06, PAID was originally 2,000 at 6.8 1-07, 8,982.05 6.55 1-08, 22,913.78 5.16 1-09, 20,747.37 6.16 1-10, 22,014.42 5.96 1-11, 24,309.36 6.96My minimum monthly payment is 846.73. Last month I paid 1054.80. I had tried the avalanche method for about two months, but it made me so anxious that I started the snowball method. I have only been in proper repayment two months, and have been making payments before my loans were due for about 7 months total.I just looked at my payment summary, and only 22.15 of the minimum 846.73 went to the principal. It makes me feel like the biggest turd in the world and I have no idea how it can possibly get better. Im on a mix of standard and graduated repayment plans. In 2020ish Im going to be paying 2400 a month, which seems impossible. Monthly income after tax: 2700 300 goes to employer matched pension planMonthly expenses: Student loans: 1000 roughly Rent: 750 including billsutilities I live in London, UK Cell phone: 36 Emergency Savings: 200 Have just over 1000 Transport: 75ish I spend 20 on a cycle to work scheme, the rest is going in and out of the city, buses on rainy days Food and socializing: 300 make own lunch at work, dont buy coffee, etc Long distance relationship: 150 London to Cork flights monthly-- non-negotiable Healthcare 0 woo, National Health ServiceSome months Ill also have to pay for travel to conferences, which take months to be returned. Any advice is hugely appreciated. I feel like a fart. EDIT: Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and your kind words. I feel more heartened and less farty. The only thing I will say is that a job can be great for a lot of reasons besides money. Thanks all.Assistant: Next month, 24 dollars will go to principal. As the principal gets smaller, more of the minimum will go to principal because you pay less interest. Paying more than the minimum right now is your best move. Looks like you already know that. Human: Thanks m8. It must make mathematical sense otherwise it wouldnt really be a 10 year repayment plan, but its so so demoralising.  <response>: Juat keep doing what youre doing. Every dollar you pay extra now goes straight to principal. 