<prompt> Human: Hi all- need some extra motivation to pull the plug on paying out 40k today for my wifes student loans. A bit of background: Im 28 and shes 26. We make 185 bonus combined but are in an extremely high cost of living location and both switched into these higher paying jobs over the last year. We have around 60k saved and she has just shy of 40k in student loan debt remaining at 7.8 effective interest. I have zero debt to my name and she has these loans plus a lease. I know its a must to pay these off yesterday but need the extra motivation to do it. Its just so hard to see that amount of money leave when its so expensive to save for a house where I live, but at the same time understand that we can make it up in the next few years with our salaries. Can anyone in my position a few years ago shed some light? Thank you.  <response>: Would you today take out a 40k loan at 7.8 just to have that extra money in your bank account?If your answers is no, then consider thats essentially your current situation...how about be debt free today and enjoy all of your surplus as actual wealth. 