<prompt> Human: I was recently lucky enough to get a large influx of cash to help pay off my student loans. Should I pay off my loans or take a portion and invest? I currently have 65,000 of grad school loans that I re-financed last year for 4.4 interest over 7 years. I have been making payments of 1100month. I received enough money to completely pay off my loans but I am now thinking of taking about 15,000 and investing. Caveat...I do not have much experience with investing so it would be partnered with a lot of studying, researching and Im sure a learning curve. Here is where I am in my life right now... I am in my early 30s and just starting off my career. I am single and do not have any major financial obligations. My plan is to have most of it as long-term investments however, I would like to also buy a home in a few years so part of the funds will eventually go towards a down payment. I have some savings and a good job. So although it would hurt to lose money with investments, it would not be an end-all. uWhat are your thoughts? Any advice  <response>: Your financial returns could be better investing, but having no debt is worth more than that in my opinion. You would have more per month to invest in the future, and also if you have some other unexpected expenses, you have much more free cash flow that you can use as needed. 