<prompt> Human: I just received my first-ever paycheck for my new profession following many, many, many years of schooling. Prior to going back to school, I had amassed about 50k in taxable investments and what is now about 90k in an old 401kIRA accounts. Following school, this is where Im at: Student loans: 430k 7 interest Personal loan: 24k 11 interest hated to take this out, but wife lost her job while I was finishing up school and we needed an influx of cash so as to not interrupt our kids homeschooling Roughly 90k and hopefully growing old 401kIRA accountsI just started my first post-education job with the following contract: 230k guaranteed base salary, potential bonus of around 20k depending on production, guaranteed for 2 years after which my income is based off of what I bring in. Dollar for dollar match up to the IRS limit - Im still confused about whether or not Im eligible for this due to our household income. Pension plan - no contribution necessary, currently pays out 54kyear starting at age 65Truthfully, my first paycheck was less than I was expecting. I guess I underestimated taxes and how damn expensive California is. My bi-weekly paycheck is about 5,500, which doesnt even really cover my loan repayments. We also dont live an extravagant life by any means but after student loans and living expenses, my income doesnt leave much left over. Thankfully my wife earns a good salary as well, but Im feeling stressed because I really underestimated how crippling student loan debt can be, and I thought after this much work and schooling, I would not see so much of my paycheck disappearing before I even got a chance to look at it.My wife earns about 105kyear as a nurse practitioner, but we maintain somewhat separate finances and the student loans are 100 on memy income. I guess my general plan of attack is:1 Fully fund 401k if eligible2 3,500mo into joint checking that goes towards our shared bills our bills arent 7kmonth, but I put a larger share into the pool given my income relative to hers3 Pay minimum on student loans4 Devote every remaining dollar to personal loan5 Once 4 is complete, devote remaining income to paying off student loans.Is that generally the course of action one should take?Assistant: Is that generally the course of action one should take?Yes, except for step 1, fund enough to get the company match.See also How to handle in the sidebar.Human: I get a 1:1 match up to the IRS limit 18k, but as I understand it, that means Ill have to max out my 401k contributions to get their full match.  <response>: In that case, yes, max it out, assuming you find out that youre eligible. 