<prompt> Human: Hey PF.Im getting 120,000 in inheritance in a few months and my wife currently has around 45,000 in student debt. I suggested we pay it off immediately but she thinks that we should keep the cash in hand for a larger down payment on our eventual purchase of a property. How would you go about this if you were in my situation? Are there any ways of reduction the total amount of loan debt if you let them know you will be paying it off in one large payment?  <response>: I would pay off the student loan debt right away. Being debt free from student loans is a pretty amazing feeling. Imagine not having this debt hanging over your head for the foreseeable future. Pay it off, live life lighter! 