<prompt> Human: Ive been reading Dave Ramseys stuff and it seems a little risky imho. My situation: 4K in student loans 5.5, 1K in liquid savings, 2K in 401k. Just turned 22. Monthly after-tax income: 4.5K. Rent is 2K NYC, 401k cont. is 400, and I dont have any expenses Monday-Friday afternoon expense acct. Essentially my question is should I focus on paying off that debt as fast as possible 6 mo. or do a dual strategy of increasing liquid savings and debt pay off in 12 mo.? I feel a little unsafe with only 1K in liquid savings, but if there is a true emergency I know my family will step in no problem. Thoughts?  <response>: Yes. You sound like you value having a larger cash cushion while you pay your student loans off. Your values matter more here than Dave Ramsey. Dave Ramsey is sharing his values with people who dont have sound financial values. Your values sound reasonable to me! 