LUCIA earns $27,000 per year, is single, and lives in Wyoming. She has $7000 in subsidized loans and another $19,000 in unsubsidized loans. She is trying to save up an emergency fund of at least 6 months’ take-home pay, so she’s torn about how much she should devote to her student loans and how much to the emergency fund every month.

Lucia’s monthly take-home pay is $1850. What percentage of her paycheck will go toward student loans if she chooses standard repayment? Does that payment amount seem reasonable? Why or why not?

Which plan has the longest repayment period? How long will Luciai be paying her student loans?

How do you think Lucia should prioritize between her emergency fund goal and her student loan payments?

Which repayment plan do you think Lucia should select? Why?