My aunt gifted me $55K after I gave birth, but I can’t tell anyone about the money. How do I spend it wisely?

Core Insights - The article discusses the financial challenges faced by a young couple, Paulo and Natalia, who recently welcomed their first baby and are dealing with student loans and other expenses [1][2] - Natalia's aunt gifted them a $55,000 investment portfolio with the condition of keeping it a secret, which presents both an opportunity and a dilemma for the couple [2][3] Financial Options - Option 1: Pay Off Debts The average federal student loan balance is projected to be $39,075 in 2025, with total balances potentially reaching $42,673 when including private loans. A windfall can significantly reduce debt, but if the debt is manageable, it may be wiser to continue regular payments and allocate funds towards other financial goals [4][5] - Option 2: Purchase a Home Buying a home early allows for equity building. As of June 2025, the median existing U.S. home sale price is $435,300. The $55,000 could serve as a down payment, enabling the couple to benefit from homeownership [6]