<prompt> Human: Age: 24 Salary: 60,000 Graduated 2012Student Loans Remaining Original Interest Subsidy :---:---:---::---: 6,400 6,500 6.8 Unsubsidized 2,000 2,100 6.8 Unsubsidized 3,000 3,500 6.0 Subsidized 4,700 5,500 3.4 Subsidized Remaining: 16,100 17,600 original balance Minimum Payment: 200month I pay: 300monthI was unable to meet minimum payments until I got a decent job at the end of 2012. My credit score dropped to 390 and my total remaining balance went up to 20,000. After finally getting a job and making regular payments for a little over a year, Ive brought my credit score up to 690 and my remaining balance is now 16,100. I have an auto loan that Im not concerned about, but I make a hefty monthly payment toward that. I got a promotion at the beginning of the year which will allow me to contribute more to my student loan monthly payments.Now I know my student loans are not as bad as some, but the fact that they exist is still enough to stress me out on a regular basis, especially with a 2022 expected payoff date based on minimum payments and interest rates... I just want to be debt free.Should I use my retirement fund to pay off my student loans?I have a 403b with a 12 employer contribution. The portfolio is currently valued at about 8,000 hopefully Im using this terminology correctly and has accumulated that in a little over a year. I understand there is tax and a penalty if you withdraw early, but if I understand correctly, you can start the retirement plan back up after 6-12 months? I could be wrong though.Is it asinine to withdraw once my portfolio reaches 12-15k next year or two and pay off these loans in full?Assistant: Should I use my retirement fund to pay off my student loans?No, you should not. You should reduce your contributions to only what you need to maximize your employers match and put the rest into your high interest debt assuming your emergency fund is at least started.Human: The 403b does not require a personal contribution. 12 is what my employer is providing, I have not made a personal contribution yet I plan to once I am debt free.  <response>: Even better then. Enjoy getting free money while paying down your debt! 