<prompt> Human: Presently, I owe the government around 23k in subsidized loans I think the interest is around 4 on those? and private agencies about 70k, which are at least five individual loans split between two agencies as some have been sold off with interest from 8-10. Its absolutely disgusting to me now that I did that to myself, but I was young and didnt have much guidance when selecting the school. It was a mistake that now I have the next decade to fix.. Im a computer science grad whos taken a job at a small business my professor runs in an environment I really enjoy. I only make a little over 52k which I understand is definitely low for the field, but I dont feel right asking for a raise yet and Id really prefer not to leave. Given that, I dont think there is any way to increase my income at the moment.My monthly budget is pretty tightly run. Net pay after tax and 10 into my 401k is around 2900. Using the tools that Sallie Mae and Co. put out, its estimated that my loan payments will be around 1000-1200 pulling all loans together. Im not sure if thats minimum or what they project Ill need to put in to follow their 12 year plan. Either way, that represents a significant portion of my available money, even if I consider myself frugal otherwise. Theres not much to cut out of what I spend as it is- my part of rent and utilities are about 700 which is cheap for the area, transportation costs insurance, tolls, gas are around 350-400 presently, groceries are like 150, and the rest subscriptions etc is minimal- I try to limit stuff like eating out and dont splurge on myself ever. Im going to need a new car soon and figured that something with under like 250 monthly payments would have been doable and nice without being extravagant, that I could finally get something I enjoy, but I dunno if I could fit something like that in after doing the math. Anyway, Id just feel a lot better if they didnt approximate that literally about 40 of my current paycheck would be going to loans for the next 10-12 years. It doesnt feel like theres going to be any room for anything foreign to happen in the budget and that worries me a lot. They start collecting finally next month but I have yet to see any numbers for what I actually have to pay on the private side, the Stafford ones have been up front the whole time. I really shot myself in the foot with this whole thing, but how boned am I actually?  <response>: I dont think you need to panic, but I think you need a plan and to be more intentional with your career and finances. 70K of debt at 8-10 is a serious drag on your finances. You dont have the option of income based repayment for these loans. Even if you have 20 year repayment term, youre looking at a payment of about 570. If its 10 years, it jumps to 839. The interest alone on this 70K portion is about 5,000 per year or 10 of your gross salary. Based on the numbers in your post, youll have a 700 surplus when loan payments start. Thats not bad at all. But your budget is not very detailed. You surely eat out some but theres no amount in your post. Maybe its 10, maybe its 50. Regardless its an expense. I also dont see anything like renters insurance or Netflix or cellphone. These things might not be much on their own, but they do add up. The other question is that youve been working for 6 months without loan payments, so your surplus has been about 1700 per month. Where is that money? Do you have solid savings? If you post is accurate you should have about 10,000 sitting somewhere. You have the potential to earn more money and you really need to consider it. It wouldnt be unreasonable for a CS grad to earn 10K or more than you are right out of school.The difference between paying 1000 a month vs 2000 on your loans is about 7 years and 25,000 in interest. Right now if you only pay minimums1000, youre looking at being debt free in 2027. I cant recommend you finance a car with your debt load at those interest rates and current income. I make more money than you, have 30K less in student loans and a 230 car payment and I really dont like it. It just feels like this large obligation hanging around. If you have the 10K, Id use 5K to buy a CivicAccordFit. 