<prompt> Human: Im about to graduate college this year and have about 3600 in debt in open collections. I was just gifted 5k as a gift to pay off my debt, but Im also a struggling student. If I paid off my debt all at once I would be left with about 1500 to my name. Fortunately I dont have many living expenses - just internet electricity. I have a part time job and receive 500month from that. It would obviously be nice to sit on a little by of money, especially since the holidays are coming, and not be broke until financial aid comes again late December. Would it be better to just pay it all off and start building some decent credit my credit score is 550... or would slowly paying it all down be better? Most of these open collections are from several years ago. Im 28, engaged, about to head into more school debt graduate school and need to take care of this the best way possible. Thank you for the help. I am glad to elaborate further if needed  <response>: I was just gifted 5k as a gift to pay off my debtIf you dont follow the wishes of the gift-giver be prepared for no future generous gifts like that. 