Trying to course correct- lots of debt and no degree. $4k to invest
I have never been good with finances. I went to school but had to stop due to health issues. It left me with lots of debt and no degree. Now at age 38, I’m trying to course-correct my life because I want to start and provide for a family. But it’s hard when I have this debt baggage.
I have $58k in federal student loans and $16k in private student loan debt. I pay $500 on the private debt every month, and soon my federal debt will require payments of $200 a month. I work full time at a nonprofit and make $45k a year, which isn’t a lot, but if I stay in a job like this for 7 more years I will qualify for federal loan forgiveness.
I have a $66k mortgage, I also have $5,000 in medical bills. After monthly bills I have about $3,000 in my checking account. I have no savings.
I was just gifted $4,000. What would the best way to spend it be? Is there a way to invest it to grow it quickly? I want to see a financial planner but I’m embarrassed with my situation.
Posted Jan 31, 2026, 1:30 PM UTC