<prompt> Human: My fiance 30m and I 30f are getting married in October 2018. Based on other family members, we know approximately how much to project for cash gifts - we are planning on about 1000 - 2000. With such a modest amount, what is going to be a fair way to use the money? We live pretty modestly in a low cost of living area. We plan on paying for our simple honeymoon from our regular monthly spending money, and all costs of the wedding are currently covered. He: Makes about 34,000yr, no benefits Has about 500 in savings No credit card debt Student loan debt and making monthly payment No retirement Leased vehicle She: Makes 43,000yr at a non-profit, with benefits Has about 1000 in savings Has 3000 in credit card debt at 8 I had some unexpected emergencies pop up... paying off at 400mo Student loan debt and making monthly payments, on PSLF program 5000 in retirement with employer contributions Owns vehicle Owns home with 84,000 left on mortgage We have no joint debtsassets yet. Any wedding gifts will be our first joining of assets. The way I see it we have 4 choices: 1 pay down debt, 2 start a retirement account for him, 3 invest in the house to increase resale, or 4 put it in savings for a rainy day. Ideally I would like to do all 4 equally, but worry that 500 is not enough to start a retirement account for him. I understand that prioritizing debt will give us the most money down the line, but two things: I have a pay-off plan, and the debt is in my name alone. How can we fairlyequally allocate any gift money? edit: formatting  <response>: use it to start your emergency fund 