<prompt> Human: Hi. Like the title of this post reads, I am a 23 year old who has been employed for almost a year in a position that pays 50,000 per year. I currently have 62,000 of student debt. All but 15k is financed with federal loans with an average interest rate of 4.5. The 15k is financed through private loans with a much higher average interest rate of 8. I currently am set to pay off the federal loans in around 9 years, and should have private loans paid off in 5 years. I am not able to make more than the required payment as of now on the federal loans, but do pay off extra on private debt. I am very aware now that I shouldnt have borrowed that much money for a bachelors degree in economics, so please do not just say that. I currently live alone and rent an apartment that requires me to subscribe to cable and internet. After all utilities and other expenses, I pay 1200month. I live extremely close to work so I hardly spend any money on gasoline. I am currently contributing 2 to my 401k and my company matches. I dont believe I would be able to make any higher of a contribution as of now. The mutual funds have returned 15 so they are doing quite well. I also have a small brokerage account where I am invested in another equity mutual fund. This account is serving as a type of additional savings account for intermediate financial goals engagement ring for long term girlfriend, potential down payment on home purchase. I understand that this is risky, but at this point of my life, I am comfortable with the risk. I have no credit card debt, as I pay off my balance each month. I have a savings account with about 800 dollars in it that I do not touch and is strictly for emergencies. I also like to keep my checking account balance about 200 at all times. My vehicle is paid off, but possibly looking to purchase a different car to allow for better MPG, as i may be moving further away from work to lower my cost of living. I dont live as frugally as I could when it comes to food. I tend to eat out often especially with girlfriend so this is something I am not very willing to cut down on because I want to be able to live somewhat of a decent life. I also have a dog that costs about 60month.I hate the fact that I have this much debt because it is impairing me from accomplishing other financial goals or even saving money at all. I feel as if my emergency reserve is not great enough, but I dont feel as if there is much I can do it about it. I also do not love my job and am considering switching careers but that is a story for another sub. I live comfortably, but this debt is quite bothersome. I feel like I am doing well, but does any one have thoughtsideas of what I could do to improve my situation? At the very least, am I doing a good job?  <response>: Your rent and utilities are 14th of your pay about. Youre doing better than most Americans there.Eating out doesnt make life better. Cooking is much more rewarding than eating out.Youre doing pretty good. The only debt you have is school debt and youre making 50k a year out of school. The debt is kind of high, but not near as bad as a lot of people. Most people may have smaller student loan debt, but they put their lives on a credit card most often while going to school, so their debt loads are generally bigger overall. You dont have that problem.Just cook. Get your girl over, learn to make a Thai dish together. It is a surprisingly erotic and bonding experience. Go out once a week or so, not a problem. But youd be surprised how gourmet you can eat for not too much by cooking. And its really really fun.Aside that it sounds like youre doing pretty good. 