<p>I’m so sorry wildboy and kelsmom.</p>
<p>wildboy…if this inheritance comes before you file FAFSA I would indeed pay off your loans from this year and any other debt you might have. And prepay anything you can for next year (will you need a laptop or an apartment deposit or…?),.</p>
<p>I’d look into putting some of this inheritance in a retirement account of your own, or maybe even a 529 college savings account, if that’s possible (not sure if it is).</p>
<p>Why would you lose your merit scholarships? They are usually based on merit, not need.</p>