conversation: User (cat_lols): "Let me preface this by stating that I know virtually nothing about investing/the stock market, and I have unfortunately not been faced with "real life" yet, therefore I am not too great with money management--but I'm trying.\n\n\nI am a recent college graduate (graduated with zero student debt) who is currently unemployed. I have an unpaid internship lined up with very good prospects that it will turn into a paid position after I complete it, and am actively searching for other part-time work to supplement income in the mean time. I am currently living off of a monthly allowance that my parents send me until I secure a job (covers rent and utilities, but barely any left over). I have about ~$800 in credit card debt due to me being financially stupid.\n\nRecently I remembered that as a child my parents set aside about 2k in (I think) a Charles Schwab account for me to "invest," but really didn't offer much guidance and it's never actively been invested. I know it existed in my name, but the last time I spoke to my parents about it I was probably ~15 years old (my dad gave me some papers about it, but I don't know where they are).\n\nAnyways, my goal this year is to become fully self-sufficient and pay off my credit card debt in full, as well as building savings and being overall more financially intelligent. \n\nMy question is, should I seek out this 2k and use it to pay off my credit debt? I considered withdrawing it all (I've inquired to my dad regarding getting more information about it), paying off my debt, taking care of some car repairs I've been putting off, and then starting a savings/emergency fund. Is this a good idea?\n\n\nTL;DR I have some money, which has been untouched since childhood, in an investment account. Should I find and withdraw it to pay off some debt and build savings?"
  Self: "I wouldn't have a philosophical problem with it.  The interest you are paying on your credit card is likely much, much than what you are receiving on the investment.  Normally I would recommend that you keep the remainder as an emergency fund but those funds are meant for things like car repairs.  Whatever's left over, I do recommend that you stick it in a savings account and not access it unless absolutely necessary.  "
  User (cat_lols): "Thanks for your input! I just wasn't sure if I was somehow missing out on something by pulling this money out rather than actually investing it. But honestly, I know nothing about investing and even with help I probably wouldn't be making a lot off of any investing I would do."
  