<prompt> Human: Hey, PF! Im looking into consolidating my student loans but Im not sure if its the best option. My student loan payments are 39 of my monthly income and Im looking lower the payments a little. Im looking for anyall advice about the subject.Warning: I have a shit load of student loans.Federal 25yrsSubsidized: 11,093.60 3.15Subsidized: 4,499.72 4.25Subsidized: 3,499.79 5.35Unsubsidized: 14,462.42 6.55Payments: 201.28mo.Total 33,555.53Private - One of the loans are 15yrs and the other 3 are 20yrs, all with variable interest rates. Im 95 sure when I applied I chose fixed rates and I think they are trying to screw me so I really want to get rid of these private loans as soon as possible. 26,761.12 10.9926,045.93 8.6729,197.62 7.4224,148.56 7.67Payments: 1,066.22mo.Total 107,012.82Your comments are greatly appreciated! Thanks!  <response>: First, with your private loans, if youre convinced you chose the fixed rate, then ask your lender send you a copy of the master promissory note. It might even be available online even. There you should be able to see exactly what you signed and confirm who is correct.I would not recommend consolidating your federal loans. Federal consolidation just averages the interest rates, and your payments are pretty reasonable already. Not much to gain, and you lose the ability to do a debt avalanche down the road.As for your private loans... well the rates are pretty bad. If your credit has improved since taking them out, I think looking into a refinance could be very smart. You really need to shop around though and see what rates you would be eligible for. Thats what it comes down to. If you cant beat your current rates, no reason to refinance. 