<prompt> Human: Thank you if you are reading this. I read the wiki and other community info which was super helpful, but I wanted to see if anyone could help me make a plan for paying off my debt because I feel very overwhelmed. I also want to pay off my debt quickly because Im highly considering grad school in a couple years I have exactly 26,000 in debt, and with interest its about 28,300. I just graduated college and landed a job at 44,200 in a low-cost living midwestern city. I currently have 300 in checking and 7000 in savings. I begin my job next week and Im not salaried yet so I will be making 21.29hr, full time. Im able to work over time when my boss needs me so there will definitely be some weeks where Im working a couple hours time and a half. Other expenses: I just signed a lease for 800mo which includes everything but electricity and gas. I will be splitting this apartment with my SO, so my total cost for rent and utilities will be 500mo Im paying a bit more because I make more money currentlyI need to buy a car because mine was totaled in a car accident a couple months ago and I have been relying on rides from friends and borrowing my parents car. I really want to just buy one with straight cash so I dont have a car payment but so far Ive had trouble finding a decent one. My car insurance will be about 100mo once I get a car. I would be grateful to anyone taking the time to read this who could give me some tips on how to manage my money and pay off my debt. I am so overwhelmed and have never made this much money in my life and I want to be smart about it. Thank you!!  <response>: Make a budget and stick to it. Read the sidebar. 