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I would aggressively go after payind down the student loans if you don't plan on staying in the house. And for those who don't know IBR is Income Based Repayment program that allows borrowers with federal student loans to have their monthly payments set to a reasonable amount based on their income and family size. As www.ibrinfo.org points out if you're a teacher or work in government or at a nonprofit (501(c)(3)) organization, you might qualify for a new type of public service loan forgiveness (PSLF) after 10 years of eligible payments and employment.

I feel this looming sequester more than you think. I have a close relative who was just laid off because of what has been happening. I'll tell you what I told her:

-- Hoard cash. You will need to stock pile money to cover your expenses so only pay minimum on credit cards or debt so yo ucan save more.

-- Cut expenses now. And of course right away if you do lose your job. Often people don't begin cutting until a few months after they lose their job because they are still in shock and can't face things.

-- Consider everything. You may have to get a roommate or move. It's what I told my relative who values her privacy greatly. But to her credit, she understands she may have to get a roommate (She just bought a beautiful home).

-- Grieve. Give yourself time to feel bad about losing your job. It's okay. And don't feel bad about feeling bad. But if it goes on too long, get help.

-- Start tapping any and everyone who might help you find another job. 

I hope you don't have to make any of these moves. Good luck.

Actually, I don't recommend draining your savings to pay off debt. I suggest people always maintain some emergency funds and a life happens fund. In your case, you could keep about one month's of living expenses, another $1,000 to $2,000 for the life happens fund (in case life happens and you need some car repairs, etc.). Then I would take what's left and throw it at the credit card debt. After that I would put as much as you could afford toward the credit card debt to pay it off as fast as you can.

Once you've paid off the credit card, then work to build up your emergency fund (three to six months of living expenses). If you have to tap into the life happens fund, also work to rebuild that pot.

But keep in mind that it's okay to regularly dip into the life happens fund because that's what it's for.

I'll be honest, this is a tough question. My instinct is like yours -- to get that monkey off your back.

But if your husband is working in a job that will allow the debt to be erased after 10 years, then I side with him. Pay the minimum on the student loan debt for the next 10 years if you are sure he will qualify for the forgiveness.

However, if there is any indication you won't make the 10 years (he leaves the public service job or you don't make the required on-time payments during the 1o-year period) I would pay off the debt completely.

TTT or as my friend says tell the truth.

Tell your prospective employer you are grateful for the job offer but you would like to at earn at lease what you are making now. Clearly someone thinks you're worth the money. Ask is there room to move up on the salary. Ask for what you want. But also think about if you could cut any expenses if the offer still comes in lower than you expect. Maybe you could take a smaller pay cut (assuming the company comes up on its offer) by examining cuts you could make. 

In the end, if you can't get more money or enough to meet the financial obligations you have and you truly, absolutely can't cut your expenses, then you may have to turn the job down. 

I do think a 401 (k) is a good way to invest for retirement, as is an IRA or ROTH.

It's still a good idea if your employer matches a percentage of what you invest (that's free money). It's a good idea because it grows tax deferred (allowing more money to be put to work for you).

But I don't and can't recommend specific  "safe" retirement investment instruments because all investments come with some risk. Even CDs come with risk if you aren't earning enough interest to keep pace with inflation. So you do the best you can to diversify your retirement investments to minimize as much risk as possible or that you can tolerate.

Interesting question. You could list both your parents and your sister as beneficiaries. 

But  I think it's perfectly fine to want to leave any money to the relative you think may need the money the most. And you can help your sister become a better money manager should she get your money if you are worried now she doesn't make the best financial decisions.

I doubt he isn't making "any" money. He could be making money as the administrator of the retirement plan for your old employer. So technically, he may not be making money off your account. Or he could be. I don't know and you don't know. So ask the company. Look carefully at your statements. A DOL rule says your statements have to now lay out all fees your 401 (k) is incurring.

At any rate, don't let this guy push you around and make you feel as if you don't know what you want. It looks like you do. Just put in the paperwwork to roll over the money. He can "make" you come in to talk to him.

Really good points. Thanks.

Save the money for now. Just save in case you do lose your job.

If you get past the trouble, you could first attack the car loan, which is the lowest debt you have based on your list. After that is paid off then look at your retirement to see if you are on track for what you need. If you are, then I would go after the mortgage.

True that!