<prompt> Human: Was awarded a structured settlement when I was an infant from horrific circumstance. The sum is a little over 40 grand and will be paid out to me in a little over a year. I however would like to cash it in and invest some of it and use the rest for bills and finishing school. My question is how worth would it be to lose a percentage just to capitalize on it now instead of later?  <response>: One year? Just wait it out. Dont pay penalties for that short of a time. 