<human>: Hi all, new here and already benefited greatly from the information in this sub.  I am recently gainfully employed and have the ability to start saving.  I also have roughly $170,000 in student loans (so you guys with smaller loans can breath a sigh of relief knowing some people have it far worse).

Based on what I've read, a roth IRA is what I want to do.  If I go this route, I'd prefer to start one up prior to April 15 so I can max out last year's contribution.

So, the dilemma: some of my loans have as high as a 6.8% interest rate.  As much as I want to start an IRA, do I need to be throwing all my extra money at this loan?

In terms of loan payments, I'm currently on Income-based repayment, so I'm barely touching the principal.  At this rate I will never pay off my loans until they are cancelled.  Does that mean an IRA is the way to go?

Happy to provide more context if necessary.

Provide a brief overview of the text.
<bot>: do I start an IRA with my newly acquired income, or do I throw it at my relatively high-interest loans (which may or may not ever get paid off in full)?