u/Aggravating_Win3781 — reddlx

For some background, I’m 25 years old and make about $5k to $6k a month after taxes and maxing out my contribution to my 401k employer match (5% if that matters). I am told my job (retail pharmacist) is more entry level pay and I am relatively underpaid for my position so I imagine there is much room for growth in the future (which in itself is a whole different conversation of living at home vs. moving for a better job opportunity). I live at home and have very little expenses otherwise (gas, basics, etc.).

The important part here is that I currently have $390k in student loans from my time in college:

287k in private loans (6.34% interest)

103k in federal (2.75 to 7% interest)

My private loans I currently pay $2.5k (minimum payment) to $3k a month and I currently have my federal at $0 minimum payment so I’m able to focus more aggressively on the private loans, however, this will only last for about 5 more months then I’ll be paying around $750 a month.

I have no investments beyond the 401k I mentioned, and no accounts beyond my basic checking account.

Looking for some advice on what is realistically the best option on what to do. I’ve done plenty of my own research and majority directs towards aggressively paying off private (4 to 4.5k a month minimum) but is this realistic?

I know investing the earliest is the best but is it even worth it in my current situation, even like $100 a week?

I figure this is the time I should be attempting to save as much as possible in order to eventually move out when the time comes and for other future expenses like a “new” car when mine falls apart like a lego set.

Anyways, always happy to hear what people think and I’d really appreciate any tips/advice or valuable references where I could go and learn more and educate myself better.

Thank you all in advance for your time and have a good rest of your day/night! :)

EDIT: for further clarification, went to pharmacy school and graduated this past year. I have a doctorate in pharmacy, no residency. Also, I’m currently in New York for a more clear picture.