<prompt> Human: Being gifted 250,000 tax free. Im 28. Im unemployed and have about 150,000 in debt. About 40 is student loans. Should I just pay it off or file bankruptcy before I get the money and invest the cash once the bankruptcys over? If so, where? How? Should I start a business I know nothing about anything for any type of business? Id love to make a bunch of money for my family if possible, but Im completely clueless. Any serious sage advice would be wonderful.  <response>: Filing bankruptcy wont discharge most student loans. On top of that, you could face some reprecussions if you come into 250k immediately after filing for bankruptcy. Plus the fact that youre considered radioactive in the eyes of financial institutions for 5-7 years, Id say just clear off the debt and start the 100k towards your retirement. So to sum it up:1 Dont declare bankruptcy.2 Take 250k, pay 150k and clear your debts.3 Take 10k or whatever you need and keep that for your day to day expenses until you find a job. Get one ASAP. Whats your education status and what sort of job can you get?4 Take the remaining 90k and start investing, I assume you have no retirement accounts? If you have earned income, do a Roth since your tax bracket right now would be minimal if you worked earlier in the year. The remainder should go into a taxable brokerage account, LT capital gains wont hit you badly at all even down the line.5 Regarding the business, dont just throw crap at the wall and pray it sticks, I dont think starting a business right now is a smart move for you. Especially if you dont know anything. Just my 0.02 