<prompt> Human: Title is pretty explanatory but something I am currently trying to best figure out. Combined my wife and I have a total of approximately 73k in loans. I am 30 shes 27. I know this money could wipe our student loan debt clean but I also am tempted to use it to start a nest egg for our family low cost index fund. Our rent is 1265 per month - which is cheap for our area. Been there for 5 years went from 1175 to 1265. Car payment is 350 - Lease Gladly answer any other questions that are needed to make an assessment. Student loan rates vary from 5.31 to 6.21; the largest balance 17k is 5.84 Additional info I saw a few people ask doubt it will make a difference in the answer: My salary is 90k, my wifes is 45k, we live in North NJ, which is expensive and heavily taxed. No credit card debt, some in retirement accounts and a mutual fund but nothing close to 75k. Current monthly loan payments combined with my wife are around 500-700; I change the amounts if we have some extra money during a pay period. Settlement is tax free. EDIT ... Well you guys convinced me...I am going to use the money to pay them off!  <response>: If it was me, Id wipe out student loans. Use the sidebar, theres more you can follow through with what to do with your money. 