<prompt> Human: I never miss a payment but I can only afford to make it in small payments. My interest rates are fairly low 5 fixed. My balance remaining is 52,450 and the maximum amount of payments I can make after accounting for all other expenses are 200 a month. I am so discouraged because Im barely making a dent in my loan balance. Any advice?Assistant: You can attempt a refinance, but whats the rest of your budgeting look like? How much do you make a year? Hows your credit? Is IBR something that is available to you?Human: I make about 55k a year. My credit is not great... 715. Living in the Bay Area, rent takes up most of my salary. Not too familiar with IBR... Could you elaborate?  <response>: Bay AreaGet out while you still can. Unless you see the potential for youre income to jump to bay area levels, maybe its not the best palce to live while focusing on debt. 