<prompt> Human: I have about 9k in student loans left and am paying about 100 a month on them. min payment Im also contributing 200 monthly to a fidelity roth IRA. Would it make more sense to stop the 200 contribution and put it towards the student loans until they are gone? The loans are at 4.5 which isnt too bad, but Im sick of being in debt.  <response>: Historical stock market returns have been closer to 10, so if that stays consistent, then youre better off investing the money. However, there is uncertainty there, while on the other hand, paying off debt is a very certain deal with no risk. I think the most rational thing would probably be to invest the money -- even if it doesnt earn 10 over the long run, itll probably earn more than 4.5 -- but sometimes psychological relief is worth some money, so dont ignore your gut either. And of course, its not an entirely black and white decision; you could do 150 to each or some other compromise. 