Should I pay off credit cards or student loans first?

It’s generally best to pay off credit cards first because they often have higher interest rates compared to student loans. Credit card debt also negatively affects your credit utilization, which can impact your credit score more than student loans. Eliminating this type of debt can save you money on interest and improve your financial flexibility. However, continue making minimum payments on your student loans to avoid penalties or late fees. Once credit cards are paid off, you can focus on student loans more aggressively. The exception may be if student loans are private with very high interest rates, in which case a more balanced approach might be better.