<prompt> Human: Ive posted in here before with similar questions. This time, Im specifically wondering what are the pros and cons, or the circumstances that optimize the various methods of repayment. What should motivate me to choose debt consolidation vs. income based repayment, etc? Can I choose income-based and then pay more than the minimum? If I get way ahead of schedule by paying more than the minimum for some time, do I ever have the option to coast on that surplus payment and skip some months of payment if I hit financially stressful season? Also, could I ask for different parties to weigh in as far as those who have attacked their student debt aggressively vs. those who have taken the regular minimum monthly payment route? How have these choices affected you, today? Any insight is much appreciated! I would ideally like to position myself to have a zero-balance of debt in 5 years.  <response>: The most efficient way is to pay the minimums on everything and put as much as you can towards the highest interest debt. 