<prompt> Human: First time posting to PF -- ill try to keep this brief and straightforward. Just need some advice on which directions to explore and start making moves. Me: 30 yrs old. Single. Secure job 55kannual pre-tax Retirement: Nothing to date -- Roth IRA would be something Id like to startDebt: 12.6k left on student loan 4.25 -- no CC debt Savings: Currently have about 11k stashed but not accruing any sort of interest checking Expenses: I dont live extravagantly at all. Very reasonable rent and bills cell phone, internet utilities -- no cable, car payments, etc Misc: Looking into getting a newer car but I think I can put it off until next spring So I guess Im wondering if I should just focus 100 on destroying that loan keeping about 3k around for emergencies I figure I could have it licked by the new year or if I should just keep paying it down and do something else with the money i.e. invest in mutual fondsbondsetc. What ration of debtsavingsinvestments do you think is the best plan of action? Thanks!  <response>: For me, the student loan would be 1 priority. Living without any payments of any type is my longterm goal, so eliminating debt has to be the focus. The one exception Id give any thought to is a company matched 401k if available. 