Angela Mitchell

I like that plan and I’d park the EF and house funds in a high‑yield savings account or short‑term Treasuries so the cash earns something while staying liquid for underwriting and closing. If there’s any chance you’ll use an income‑driven plan or PSLF, lean even harder toward savings over prepaying the 5% loans, since extra principal doesn’t lower the required payment and could undercut potential forgiveness. Also, turn on auto‑pay for the 0.25% rate reduction and keep credit utilization low in the months leading up to the mortgage application.

Cook plain stuff, keep flavors separate, assemble at lunch. Rice, beans, roasted veg, hard-boiled eggs, that's most of it. I reheat the base, then add cold crunchy bits so it isn't sad. It sounds boring, but boring sticks.