Paying off student debt 1st or GET INVESTING!

[Brittany Olofsson]

I currently have student loan debt of $70k that I am trying to focus and pay off completely within 3 years. Then my plan is to start investing. My question to experienced people is should I focus on paying off this debt first then investing or would you recommend I take longer to pay off loans but also save for my first 20% down. I am 37 years old and excited to get started but also want to make the smart responsible decision.  I would  greatly appreciate everyone's thoughts. Thank you very much.