<prompt> Human: Hi PF! I need some help figuring out the best way to pay down my student loans and credit cards as soon as possible shocking, right? Ive read some other posts but Im not really finding what I needs, but if I have missed some sound advice, please feel free to send a link my way! : OK here goes... My main goal is to pay off my high interest Sallie Mae private loan. The loan was originally 15,000 but I have paid it down to 8928.09. The interest is 12.25 yikes! so it has taken quite some time to get it down to where it is now. My minimum monthly payment is 341.14 and I can afford to pay about 200 more a month, but Im not sure when or how to pay it. So, I guess my question is; Should I apply the 200 on the same day my direct payment comes out or apply it at the beginning of the month as a separate payment? Secondly, I have about 20,000 in other student loans, one 12,500 federal loan and the others a 7500 private loan. Both have fairly low interest. My plan is to pay off Sallie Mae and then start doing the same tactics with my other loans to get out of debt completely in the next 3 years. Any and all real advice would be helpful! Thank in advance!! :  <response>: Doesnt sound like you need any advice to me. You have a solid plan, just stick with it. As for making extra payments, it shouldnt make much difference when you pay it. The earlier in the month you pay it the less interest will accrue, but the difference is only a few dollars a month. 