For many Americans in their 30s, the math doesn’t add up. You’re finally building a career and earning a steady paycheck — yet a $40,000 student loan balance swallows a big chunk of your income every month. At the same time, your HR department keeps reminding you about the 401(k) match you’re not taking advantage of. That’s free money, and every year you wait to invest means losing out on compound growth that can make or break your retirement. Must Read So, what’s the smarter move: wipe out the debt fir ...