<prompt> Human: I started working full time in public service in January. I currently have 3 student loans: 6,000 8.5 private, variable, 11,000 5.96 fedloan, fixed, 44,241 6.25 fedloan, fixed. I just consolidated so all my debt qualifies for debt forgiveness in 10 years. I am on an income contingent payment plan right now, minimums total 240 which just about covers interest but doesnt lower the principal. If I scrimp and live frugally, I can afford to make 600 payments and dont anticipate a salary increase anytime soon. I have a small side hustle and the possibility of a yearly bonus that could give me an extra grand or so a year. I have a pension but no other retirement savings. Im a 39 year old single mother and I dont know if I can and definitely dont want to sustain this level of frugality for 7 or 8 years or however long it will take to pay this off. Can anyone give me some advice? I would appreciate it I cant afford a consult from an accountant.Edit: Thank you all for the advice! I think Im going to go with aiming for the forgiveness plan, modifying my budget to have a little fun money takin my Bae to Red Lobster! and throw the rest into low risk investments. You guys are the best!  <response>: Pay the minimum until the time they are gone, or until the program disappears. This will give you time to save up an eFund, pay off any debt you have, and start to save for retirement. You will save a bunch, and in the event the program goes away, you now have the money to pay it off in a lump. This is assuming an ideal world. 