<prompt> Human: I am 27 years old and I fully funded my education through the use of student loans. I am about to receive 30.5K in stock grants at current stock price through my job in April and will receive 40K in stock every 6mos through April-2018, as long as I remain employed with my current company again, estimate based on current stock value. Current monthly student loan payments are 995. I have 0 in savings and 5K on a credit card. What is the best way to manage my debt? I also want to be sure I am able to put some money into savings from this next stock vest as a safety net, just in case. What are my options and what advice would you give someone in my situation?  <response>: If youre cashing out that 30.5K, Id knock out that credit card debt right away, put aside 10K for an emergency fund, and use the rest to put towards the principal on your loan.Make a plan to spend less than you earn so you dont have to resort to incurring more credit card debt. Creating a healthy buffer in your checking account will allow for that, so you can cover fixed expenses and discretionary spending with cash you currently have. 