Melissa's instinct is to pay off her $30K mortgage first — it feels safer, more real. George and Jade explain why the Baby Steps say consumer debt comes first: student loans can't be bankrupted, carry higher interest rates, and are tied to no asset. The mortgage is tied to an appreciating home. With $4,000–$5,000 of monthly margin, Melissa could wipe out all $95,000 in under 2 years.