<prompt> Human: Ive got one loan at 5.39 for 27k and then a collection of subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans totaling about 28k. Im currently living at home and have a salary of 54k a year. Ive been told to consolidate to lower the monthly payment around 600 a month in total but to be honest I kind of afford this right now and would rather not have to consolidate to a plan that would have me paying these loans until Im in my 40s.  <response>: Step 1 Put only up to your employer match in 401k, if applicable. Step 2 Cut your living expenses to the bone. Step 3 Save 1,000 cash for emergencies optional - some might say debt is an emergency Step 4 Put every extra penny towards the debt, starting with the highest interest rate first. 