<prompt> Human: I recently became aware that i am going to receive part of an ira from my late father. I am not in good financial shape and need as much money as i can get to do various things. buying a house upgrading computer and the like. what should i do with this money ? its going to be about 18k. i am in a lower tax bracket. it is going to be transferred over to a traditional ira in house to the company managing it. also how much would i expect to get if i just cash it out right away ?  <response>: If youre not in good financial shape, do not buy a house, upgrade your computer, etc. What you should do is read the wiki, get your financial house in order, and then plan for the future. 