<prompt> Human: Hi PF, as the title states, Ill be receiving a small windfall of 7,500 and Id like to be smart with how I use it for once.For the past few months after spending a lot of time here at PF Ive been budgeting and learning how to live below my means. Its been working really well and my stress level has drastically been reduced. Since I started, Ive built a 1,500 emergency fund but would like that to be at a more comfortable 2,000 since Im planning on moving soon. Ive also avoided overdrawing my checking account which is something that has happened regularly due to crappy cash flow. Ive fixed all those issues and feel so much more in control and aware of whats coming in and whats going on.Now that Ive got a better handle on my overall financial picture, Im turning my focus towards paying off debts. I want to zero everything out so I can focus on actually having money work for me.Heres my situation: 400 20.99 credit card 6,888 10.5 loan 244month 14,300 1.9 car loan 375month 100 Parking tickets 684 in collections 640 in collections 275 in medical bills 148 in medical bills Im not sure if the 7,500 will be taxed or not. If not taxed, Im not sure Ill need to set any of it aside for next years taxes since my refund this year was fairly large. I know I should look into adjusting withholding. Just to play it safe, Ill assume that it is taxed and will actually receive 5,000.Heres what Im thinking: use 500 to increase my emergency fund to 2,000 zero out the 400 in credit card debtAfter that, Im not really sure what to do. Id LOVE to get rid of the 6,888 loan because that would free up an additional 244month I can throw at the rest. Should I zero out collections first, then go after the 6,888 with whatever remains? Or should I throw everything at the loan and then use the freed up cash to pay off everything else?All of your advice is greatly appreciated!UPDATE thanks to everyone for your comments and advice. This is such a great community! Im going to take the time to execute a plan based on all your comments. I will post an update with my results. My major objective for the short term is to use this windfall to simplify my financial situation so I can really focus on getting rid of the 6,888 loan then eventually the car payment. I dont want to be stressed about money anymore. Today, thanks to many of the comments, I used 100 from my emergency fund to get rid of the parking tickets. It was an unacceptable risk and I was able to take care of it. Feels great. Assistant: My vote would be to bump up your emergency fund savings to 3,000.Then get rid of all of these because theyre such small amounts and I personally think its a bit ridiculous to hang onto debts less than 1,000 if you have the cash to just get rid of it.: 400 20.99 credit card 100 Parking tickets 684 in collections 640 in collections 275 in medical bills 148 in medical billsThen throw the remaining 3.5kish at your 10.5 loan.Human: Thanks. I think Im going to go this route. I think there will be a big psychological boost from getting rid of things that are hanging over my head. I will definitely post an update once I get this money and distribute it.  <response>: Definitely pay off the parking tickets. If you dont pay them it could effectively cost you 50 to 100 interest in penalties. Pay them off quickly before any penalties accrue! Do it today, even if you have to use your emergency fund. 