Smart Ways to Enjoy a Windfall

Your spouse's uncle in Canada died and left you $185,000.

Now the dust has settled, the papers are signed and someone's ready to send you a check in U.S. dollars for the amount. What should you do?

It's not a princely sum, but it's clearly enough to give a shot in the arm to your personal finances, not to mention your buying power. That's a good thing.

But no doubt, your mind is abuzz with possibilities, everything from round-the-world travel to quitting your job to a new car to supporting your favorite causes. I'll bet it's a sizeable list. ...