<prompt> Human: Hello everyone. I know this subreddit generally frowns upon asking for advice like this, but Ive read the FAQ and the commonly addressed topics and they didnt seem to help much.My situation - Im 22, engaged, in my last semester of college, probably entering either the Air Force or Navy as an officer.Debt - 4k credit card debt, as the result of car troubles mainly, 1.5k ring, 15k student loans.Right now our expenses generally meet our income, save for 100 being chipped off the debt here and there. We put all of our expenses on the credit card rent, food, gas, etc, and then put our combined income right on the credit card.Long story short, as the result of a mutual fund paying off well, my grandmother is giving each of her grandkids 5k to do whatever they like with. My question is, do I reinvest this money into an IRA or mutual fund and start gaining interest, do I put it on the debt and start building savings, or do I split it up? Im hesitant to put anything towards my student loans because of possible debt forgiveness through the military. I had a friend who joined the Army and got screwed as he paid of his debts before he entered, and the other soldiers were essentially given extra money.Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you guys.  <response>: Paying off the card is the smart thing to do, BUT after you paid of the card, dont put new debt on it at least not so much debt that you cant pay it in full when the bill comes. If youre afraid that you cant control yourself and will spend any money AND any credit that is available to you, A. You need to address and change that behavior anyway, because it will get you in trouble. B. Then perhaps maybe it is better for you to pay off the credit card and then lock it away, start working with cash or the debit card to pay for groceries etc.As two grown up persons, you both will have to learn hour to manage your finances in a responsible way, including the knowledge that going into debt isnt good...I went through a similar phase... It is possible to learn... :- 