B-School Debt: $100K

I got my MBA in 2007 and have the following student loan debt:
$42K @ 6.5%, fixed, federal, 25 years
$32 @ 3.75%, variable, private, 15 yrs
$32 @ 3.5%, variable, private, 15 yrs
Monthly min: $847

I make $95K/yr. I contribute 10% to my 401k (employer will not match until 1 yr of service, which happens next Aug). After 401k contribution, taxes, and health insurance, I bring home ~$4k/month, which seems kind of low. I claim 1 federal, 1 state and 1 city exemption. Since I get a refund every year, I am thinking of increasing my exemptions.

I have been contributing the max to my ROTH IRA, have $56k in savings (for emergency fund and for house downpayment), and $29k in a brokerage account in various mutual funds and stock.

I should preface that I live in NYC where the standard of living is ridiculously high. I am 30 and still live with a roommate but would like to purchase a condo in the near future. After paying all my costs, I do have some extra $ left over, which I have been splitting between savings and paying down the 6.5% loan. Should I increase my 401K contribution instead? This will put my take home pay to under $4k/month, which makes me a bit nervous in this city. Or should I continue what I'm doing? I would prefer to not be paying student loans into my 50s!

It looks like you have done well saving over the past 10 years or less. Since you have a significcant amount in savings already, I wouldn't worry too much about paying off your student loan. I would instead take advantage of putting that money into the market where in the long run you will likely net >6.5% gains. When the economy goes back to normal I might backtrack and pay off that loan.

looking at the rates you say you pay on your student loan, if this is fixed for the life of the loan i wouldnt ever pay off more than i had too... i doesnt matter really that your student debts are following you into your 50's there are so so so many people who have them too....

i think that your in a good position (savings wise) to look at some inversment opportunities, ok buying a condo in NYC sounds kewl, but why not buy one to rent out and generate income... understandably the housing market in the us is poor, but i imagine NYC is still a sound investment...

personally im not paying my student loan untill i have to (obviously im making payments) but im not even thinking of settling on it till i kno im in a position where its jjust one payment...

its up to you mate... you seem top be in a solid position but where will you be in the future without your savings....? homeless...? hopefully not like!
:eek: