<prompt> Human: Ive got enough saved up that I could probably afford to drop 4K on it now still have somewhat of a safety cushion in my checking account. It would get my loans paid off about nine months earlier. Just trying to fine tune my payoff strategy. EDIT: Itd bring my cushion down to about 2,500 so thered be some rebuilding after Id payed off the loans but I think its survivable. My job is very stable will probably be safe for at least another four years. Probably longer.  <response>: Why not pay off 3,000 now? Youll still save a boatload in interest and your emergency fund will be a comfortable 3,500. 