<prompt> Human: So, Im finally getting to an income level where I can consider increasing my loan payments, or use the money elsewhere.I have 45,000 in student loans at 5.125 interest. I can continue making minimum payments for 10 years, or I can start to increase repayment.If I dont increase student loan repayment, that income is going to go into retirement plans, which normally net 10 7 ignoring inflation.Paying debt is equivalent to investing, essentially, so Im looking at a gain of 2.125 by paying off loans with extra income, or a gain of 7 by investing that same income both ignoring expected 3 inflation.Am I thinking this through right? 3.3x better returns by investing versus paying off debt above min monthly payment?  <response>: Anything 5 or higher is you should pay it off before investing territory. Returns on your investments can fluctuate, paying off the loan is GUARANTEED 5. 