<prompt> Human: Hi folks- here are the stats: graduated from school with a Masters and 72K in Federal student loan debt- highest rate on the five loans is 6.8. Ive always been good at paying down my debts, but this is a bit daunting. My income in Las Vegas is 77K before taxes, and I have a family six kids under 11 and a stay at home wife. My wife and I have recently had the discussion as to whether to aggressively pay off the student loan debt or sink it into retirement of which we have about 11K. And on top of this, there is pressure to do things like piano lessons and other personally enriching things for the kids. I hate the thought of not being able to do all three- it just feels like Im losing. Having said all this, we know we need to start with several months of savings, and since the stock market seems to be tanking, Im not too anxious to invest although at 38 years old, I know I need to build the retirement more aggressively. With the size of my family, the IBR is approximately 190 per month. If I went public sector as an Occupational Therapist, I could get the loans forgiven after ten years at the VA, versus the standard payment being about 807 per month. Scattered post, I know-- any immediate thoughts from anyone on how to dichotomize the loans versus investments versus my children? Am I pointed in semi the right direction? Thanks ahead of time for your criticisms.EDIT: Just graduated in September and sorry, trichotomize :EDIT 2: Yep- have a bunch of kids, and totally agree with the budgeted fun.EDIT 3: Some great advice on here, thanks again. To those that question my life choices, without going into it I can only say our priorities are different and that mine changed. To those who are curious, this is a second career, and I was debt free three years ago, and wanted a change of direction. It ended up being expensive to be unemployed. I sunk my entire post-911 GI bill into a private masters program after a fruitless search for jobs in security that would match my old income. And I came up with something that I can love. So, I dont regret it- and definitely dont regret having the family that I do- which is moot anyways, because here we are.  <response>: Why people think its so meaningless to say which degree; it has a massive bearing on some financial decisions. That being said, congrats on finishing whatever but its definitely time to start living well below your income if you arent already. You see, the root problem is the Im entitled mindset people get after they complete their degree. As to enriching your kids lives, so something massive like spend time with them experiencing everyday things like reading books, playing games, physical activity, and art. Going to Disneyland, karate lessons, attending Pro sports events, etc are nice but dont get too caught up in what other people are doing. Your kids will be happier and the relationships you grow with them at these adolescent ages will carry you through your life. 