<prompt> Human: I really need some financial guidance and dont know where to post. We got married right after my wife finished law school with 130k in student debt. When she graduated there was literally no one hiring new lawyers she was part of the lost generation of law school graduates look it up if youre curious. In 2011, right as as her job hunt was looking the most hopeless, I got a great job opportunity in Europe, so we moved. Weve been here since. Her federal loans have been on income based repayment, so weve been paying minimal payments on them while she looked for a job here. Compounding interest at 8 has probably increased her loans to 160k by now... Im afraid to know the real total. We file American taxes separately so that my income isnt hit with her debt. It took her 3 years to find a job over here, but were now both working, albeit at lower salaries than the equivalent jobs we might have if we were back in the US. I make about 85k and could easily make 110k in the US, and her new job pays her about 50k at the moment, but should increase. Salaries are lower in Europe, but the benefits are great. We like being here and are now thinking of being here for at least another 5 years. We think it might be time to stop renting and buy an apartment. We can get a mortgage for 103 of the value of an apartment, at 2 interest, with all interest tax deductible as long as we live in it. Additionally we can do this based on my income alone, with no US credit check, and keep our mortgage payments the same as our rent payments.So now Im thinking we should buy a place with my income, and just use her income to start paying down her loan debt. Is this a reasonable idea, or crazy? Are we idiots? Were both about 40 years old, so when do we start saving for retirement? Whats the best plan to ditch that debt? I really feel like I need some expertprofessional advice, but I have no idea who to turn to for it. Maybe someone here has some words of wisdom? On top of it all, were afraid to sync all our extra money into debt repayment because we need to take care of her mom as well... Her mom is 70, still working hard, but has no retirement. We never know when well need to start paying her moms rent or long term care. Weve got about 10k in savings, a European pension plan, and another 50k in a 401k back in the US.Advice? What should we do?TLDR: Should we buy an apartment when my wife has 160k in student loan debt? Renting seems like a waste. Whats the best way to plan for our future? Should we even keep living in Europe since it means lower salaries than it would be in the US? How do we even start getting rid of that much debt while planning for future needs?Edit: Just to add another element, I should also mention were planning on having a baby within the next year. Yeesh!  <response>: Are we idiots?I wouldnt say that, but you are currently combining US and EU systems in an unfavorable way. EU wages are generally a bit lower but the EU has the benefit of free education, while you paid for yours. The American way would be to get that high- paying job and wipe out the debt. That said, if you like your jobs and your life, Id probably stay put, especially since youre both working now. Perhaps keep your feelers out Linkedin current, etc. and when she gets a good offer, time to reconsider.One thing Im wondering is how come youve lived on 85k for three years and 135 for another and only 10k in savings? This is a royal salary in most EU countries. Maybe you should post your budget here or in ukpersonalfinance?As for the apartment.. it sounds risky. It seems like you wont be making a downpayment and are banking on its value rising, which may or may not be the case. Theres also the fact that you may be forced to move: losing your jobs, say; after 4 years youre probably not fully resident. Or your MIL getting sick and unfit to air travel. Personally, Id see this as another piece on an already slightly shaky foundation and wouldnt do it. But Im not a risk taker : 