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The age old question. How much of your income should be going to debt vs investments. Should it be all or nothing?

The answer depends on a variety of factors, one of which being personal preference. In general, investing should be prioritized above LOW interest debt, particularly if you are young. Here are some suggested cut offs:

• Invest first if your debt is less than 6% if in 20s
• Invest first if your debt is less than 5% if in 30s
• Invest first if your debt is less than 4% if in 40s

Above those cut offs, pay off the debt first!

Why does age matter? With age, your portfolio will have a higher bond allocation and generally low returns. In addition, you want the security that complete debt freedom brings when you move into retirement. 

Here are some examples of how the numbers change on the debt vs invest question when looking at high interest vs low interest debt.

With low interest, high dollar student loan debt, your net worth actually comes out higher if you do a...

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The process of paying off debt is usually a long one. It is a journey that is both physically AND emotionally exhausting. You may be working extra hours, going without things you were used to enjoying, and even dealing with the opinions of those around you who don't understand why you are doing what you are doing. I felt ALL those same things. Here are a few tricks I used to keep myself feeling positive and motivated along the journey. 

1. Celebrate each small win
- This doesn't have to be an expensive celebration! Go get ice cream. Dance around the house. Jump up and down. Post it on social (make sure to tag me @strivewithkristin so I can celebrate with you!). Even if you just paid off a $2000 credit card balance and you have $50,000 more to go, it is still an accomplishment and it is worth celebrating!


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_{This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I will be compensated at no cost to you. For my full disclosure, click here.}

Americans owe 1.64 TRILLION dollars in student loan debt, spread over about 45 million borrowers. Student loan debt has become commonplace, but it can be financially crippling. 

How should you approach your student loan debt?

Everyone's situation is different and there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, but there are a few important things to consider when creating your plan.

1. KNOW YOUR BALANCE AND INTEREST RATE
- If you haven't checked lately, log in to your loan servicer and make sure you are up to date on your latest balance and interest rates. There is a BIG difference between a 2% interest rate and a 9% interest rate on a private student loan. 

2. CONSIDER CONSOLIDATION OR REFINANCING
- Consolidation just averages your prior interest rates into one payment, while refinancing is a new loan with a possibly lower interest...