conversation: User (_Dizzy_): "I had 50k saved, but I just spent 20k on a new 2015 ex-l Honda civic w/ nav. Long story shot, I've been dating my girlfriend for 8 years and just finished my time in the military. It was a great oppurtunity to save money.\n\nShe has her masters degree, from one of Georgia's top ten schools,  in Lingustics and a teaching certificate for Spanish eduation. Those left her with almost exactly 50k in student loans. Her interest rates are between 3.61 and 6ish. \n\n Her starting Salary was 45k last year, and it's going up again at the end of this summer. I'm currently going back to school, and will only pull a projected 20grand with my part time position. So, 65k between the two of us before taxes. \n\nQuestion: Would it be smart to invest the money I've saved into her student loans, and then work backwards towards our house/investments/rira/401k? What are the potential financial ramifications of us getting married, and should we wait? She's 33 and I'm 28.\n\nThanks\n\nedit: internet went out, couldn't change flair."
  Self: "Well, you guys are older and usually around 30 people shape up for the future. However I would highly recommend NOT paying her loans until after you've been married 3 years. Also know that unless you get a prenup any debt she has becomes your once married."
  jacalata (jacalata): "&gt; Also know that unless you get a prenup any debt she has becomes your once married.\n\nThat isn't true - what happens to pre-marital debt varies by the state you are in when you get married and when you get divorced. In Georgia, where he is now, debt acquired before the marriage does not get shared. "
  brokenhalf (brokenhalf): "Yep, in a lot of states a judge will look at who is getting a benefit from the debt.  As she is the only one with the teaching cert and masters it will clearly stay with her unless he goes unemployed and relies on her financially during the marriage.  Given that he is walking into this with $30K, no judge will see it that way."
  