<prompt> Human: She makes 1300month as a full-time assistant in a salon, currently has 700 in the bank just paid rent and pays 650month for our apartment, but often ends up with nothing at the end of the month. By the end of the year, shell become a full stylist and easily make double of what shes currently making.She has around 30,000 in debt from a school loan, and has been deferring payments until she has enough income to slowly pay off her loan and afford our bare bones apartment.She wants to use some of the money 2000? to buy whatever she wants, and also fund a trip to Japan in August. Watching her spending habits for the past year eating out a lot, events, clothes, Im afraid shes going to lose this opportunity of getting a head start on her financial security.What are some smart ideas I could tell her? I know very little besides putting all that in a bank to gain some interest. Im also vague on how school loans work. Thank you for your time in advance.  <response>: Lawyer here. It doesnt sound like you have an actually settlement, much less a breakdowndisbursement of funds. Dont count your chickens before they hatch. Medical providers need to be paid back, costs of litigation have to be reimbursed. General rule of thumb is that the client TAKES HOME 30 after all is said and done. Personal injury lawsuits are supposed to be REIMBURSEMENT mechanisms, not get rich and go to Japan mechanisms. Best of luck to both of you. Use the funds to better your financial lives for the long term. 