<prompt> Human: Hello there, I am attending a US military academy and this spring, we have the option of taking a 36,000 career starter loan through USAA. And yes, the interest rate is actually .75. I dont make any payments until I graduate in 2020. It is guaranteed to be paid off in 5 years as they automatically take out 600 per month. It is 5 years specifically because that is our minimum service commitment. My plan is to take all 36k and spend no more than 15k on a used car and max out a Roth IRA for one year 5500 I believe. That leaves 15.5 to do anything else with. What do you think? I have the option to take any amount or none of it as well.  <response>: Former 2010 West Point grad here. I would suggest re-examining your car decision and build up some investments. You can argue the market is overvalued but hedge your risk tolerance. Purchase some I-bonds instead of high-yield savings if you want the money in a year or two and are afraid of the market tanking. Look into dollar cost averaging vs lump sum if you dont want to put it in all at once. Hint - Lump sum almost always does better. 