Yep, I got some advice. First, I second the reference to Dave Ramsey posted by someone earlier. Second, make it your lifelong goal to remain free of debt. The only exception to the rule would be for a fixed-rate mortgage one day. To answer your immediate question, I would NOT even think about a mortgage until you clean up ALL of your other debt first. Here is what I would do.

Step One: make a budget. This is important for two reasons. First, you need to know how much is coming in and how much is going out - specifically to where it is going. Second, with this information in hand you will be better able to plan where to allocate your income.

Step Two: set financial goals. Your first goal should be to pay off all of your debt in the shortest amount of time. Your second goal should be to save as much money as you can for something such as a down payment on a home, rainy day fund, car, etc..

Step Three: develop good (read responsible) financial behavior. Read books about wealth and how to attain it. Take notes and learn from those who have done it. Balance your checkbook each month. Every three months, analyze where your money is going per category. i.e., how much are you spending on groceries, fuel, rent, etc.. This will help you to adjust and maintain your budget with realistic numbers and perhaps make adjustments to your personal finance as needed.

Now, I'll give you my advice as to what I would in your current situation. With the numbers you gave me, I see that your TOTAL student loan debt is $50,000.00, and this does not include interest. Assuming that you set a goal to pay all of this off in 3 years, that would be $1, 388.88 per month, 4 years would be $1041.66 per month, and 5 years at $833.33 per month.

You posted an income of $27,000.00 per year, and assuming this is gross and assuming your taxes and other deductions account for 25%, your net yearly income is $20,250.00, or $1,687.50 per month.

You also said you have no kids and no savings. No problem. Put away $1000.00 in a savings account and DO NOT touch it unless it is an emergency. A hot date does not constitute an emergency, a new transmission for your car does.

If you are able to do so, I would live in a crash pad or room with someone as inexpensive as I possibly could. If you can do this, the difference in rent that you would normally pay can be considered a monthly raise. A second job is also a good idea, because all of that extra money can be applied to your debt.

Make minimum payments on your loans, and apply extra money to the smallest BALANCE first until it is completely paid off. Once it is paid off, apply that extra money to the next lowest balance and pay it off. Apply this principle your debt until it is completely paid for.

Once your debt is all paid off, then set the goal of saving for a house.