<prompt> Human: Hello PF!Im in a bit of a windfall cash situation, and Im interested in hearing advice from an impartial crowd. Ive realized that all the professionals I talk to have the best interest of of their own pockets first, and mine second. Everyone wants my money, and nobody is going to tell me something that might steer me away from their services. The quick and dirty explanation of the situation is such: Sold some real estate, and after tax, mortgage pay off and paying back my parents for initial down payment, I have approximately 48k profit to mess with. The main question I come to is: Should I use this money to pay off all of my student loans, or should I invest it and make the money grow?Some stats about me: 27 year old male, unmarried, possibly engaged soon Work in healthcare, annual salary approximately 140,000 No longer own a home. I rent for now, and will likely continue to rent for the next 2-5 years. No significant credit card debt 2k at 0 interest until December, steadily paying down Live in a major city in Ohio, with very reasonable cost of living. Current bills paid with relative ease. I have approximately 60,000 to my name, including the funds mentioned above. Current employer puts away 18 of gross salary in 401k for me. No matching. Student loans total of 46,000. 42,000 Stafford loans 6.8 6.55 because Im using autopay 4,000 Grad Plus loans 7.9 7.65 because Im using autopay Monthly loan payment is comfortably uncomfortable at 550month 500 to stafford, 50 to grad plus, will change that if loans not paid in fullSo what should I do? If I use my cash to pay off the loan I will have approximately 2k left to invest. If I invest I have the potential of losing while retaining student loan debt. What would you do if this was your situation?  <response>: Pay off debt. 