<prompt> Human: Hi. Let me start off the bat by saying I know absolutely nothing about personal finance. I didnt get a great start-- I got sick in my late teens, accrued lots of medical debt, and had to declare bankruptcy. Other than that, my situation isnt too bad I think. Unless you all tear my financial situation to pieces : I currently owe 46,600 approx. in student loans with an average interest rate of 6. I owe another 2,500 student loan with a 5.5 interest rate. My salary is 41k a year, and I live in Los Angeles, where the cost of living is very high. My net income is about 2,648 a month. Here is my monthly budget: 1,100 for rent I realize this is high, but LA is freakishly expensive. This is what Ive had to pay to have some things that are non-negotiable for me, i.e. no cockroaches and my own room. 225 for student loan with 6 interest my payment doesnt even cover interest 40 for loan with 5.5 interest 25 for internet 10 renters insurance 70 for phone bill 80 for car insurance 100 for all other utilities it varies with usage, of course Food and gas varies, but on a monthly basis I usually spend about 200 for food and 100 for gas. Total expenses: 1950 So, personal finance experts, what should my strategy be? Should I get an IRA? My company offers a 401k but doesnt match the contributions, I am not enrolled it in at this point. Should paying my debt be a priority? Should I try to invest? Any advice welcome.  <response>: Build up an emergency fund first and foremost if you havent already. I would then focus on paying off the debt before any other investments since the interest is pretty high. 