In the US, it's common for Americans to have six-figure student-debt burdens. In Australia, that hasn't been the norm.
"I did consider paying it off early, however, it is not my priority at this point," Fitzpatrick told Insider."I have a mortgage, am renovating my property, and invest regularly into the stock market, so for me, I am very happy to continue paying it down pretax, as I never see that money anyway. If I started earning significantly more over the next year, I would consider paying off the debt just for the feeling of having no student debt and also more cash flow from working.
"I honestly think many people don't notice their student-loan repayments coming out or really consider the impact of how it's reducing their cash flow and may continue to," Fitzpatrick said."I really think more education around HECs-HELP in Australia is required to help people understand the debt they are taking on and how this can impact them.
"I am, however, thankful that I did not do any further study as I have been encouraged to multiple times by different people within and outside the workplace," she said."I think more of a conversation needs to be had about whether your degree or further study will actually lead you to a better outcome, career-wise or financially.