Need Advice

As you all know my mother passed away last week.  She had some savings and it will be divided between my sister and brother and myself.  It isn't a whole lot but it will certainly help.
Here is my dilemma.  There is enough so that I could pay off all my debts and be debt free for the first time in a long time.  I would be saving a lot in monthly payments and it would make life a lot easier for me and my kids especially since I haven't been working but we are managing to get by now, just barely.  I would also have enough left over to have some savings to cushion in case of any emergencies.
Or I could use it and get plastic surgery.  It has long been a dream of mine and I would just have enough to cover a body lift and breast lift and replacement of my implants and maybe enough for fat injections to my face.  This would be in Mexico with Dr. S, who has an excellent reputation for working with weight loss surgery patients and is extremely reasonable.  That would combine a vacation to Mexico but of course I wouldn't be in the best shape for a vacation.
Of course I want the plastic surgery but I know it isn't practical.  I am 53 and it's not like I could look like a teen ager, nor would I want to.  I just want a normal body without all the excess skin hanging and the terrible breasts.
I never thought I would be in a position to have plastic surgery and I was fine with that.  I am not at all into my looks.  I rarely ware make up and I'm not into buying clothes so in a way it is kind of strange that I would even want plastic surgery.  I don't work outside of the home right now and I have a boyfriend that I am very happy with so it's not like I am trying to attract a man or anything.  I guess what I am trying to say is I don't need plastic surgery.  My life wouldn't change if I had it, other then me being more comfortable with my body.  I don't even hate my body the way it is.  Like I said, I can live with it.  It is just something I always wished I could do if I had the money and now I may have enough to do it.  Is that enough of a reason to have it done?
I'm not sure exactly how much I will get.  I may get less then I expect and then I couldn't really afford the plastic surgery or I may get a little more.
I know no one can tell me what to do.  I am just looking for some feedback.  Obviously this isn't pressing and I have a lot of time to make up me mind.  I have just been doing some research to see what would be feasible if I do go forward with it.
 

I'm praying that you make the right decision for you.

 Thank you.

You need to do whatever is your priority.... BUT, if it were me, I would rather be debt free and have a emergency fund.  Once you are debt free if your body still bothered you, you could find financing you could afford and it would be your only debt so it wouldn't be that hard to make payments.  There is nothing more freeing than being debt free and the peace of mind of having good credit.  And so much weight is lifted off your shoulders.... JMO!

If it were me I would pay off the bills and be debt free..then put the money you were paying on bills and put it in a "plastic surgery" fund..but you gotta do what is right for you

I agree with Mara and aspan.  Pay off your debt then with the extra money you have each month start a PS fund, or get a Care loan and get it done with smaller payments than what you have now.

I know EXACTLY  what you're going through.  I went through the very same thing.  I opted for the PS, then I had to take an early retirement....while I love my PS, I wish I had used the money and paid off bills now. 

Ladytazz,

If you were my sister (and I've done this with her - so I'm not talking out my butt about this) - I would sit down with you and sign you up for Financial Peace University. I would spend the first $100 on this program and never miss any of the classes - it's a 13 week course that will help you to become and then more importantly - to live debt free. No credit cards, no bills - it's awesome!


I would personally never think of indulging myself while my family and I were in debt. It's so much less stressful to have your bills all paid up and owe money to nobody. Once you're debt free and you've changed the habits that have gotten you into debt, then you can easily save up for the surgery. And you'd have an emergency fund as well..

The program is awesome - but like any of us on this site know firsthand, you have to be willing to make the changes and stop the behaviors that have gotten you into the problems in the first place (obesity, debt).
I know that you'll do what's best for your family in the long run. And I sincerely want you to be successful in life. The Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University has worked so great for millions of people. It has truly changed my life (and my family too).

I would pay off the debt - that would make me happier than a flat tummy!! :)

 You are all right.  As much as I want the plastic surgery the best thing is paying off my debt.  
Unless there is more money then I expect I will be paying off all my debts and working on staying debt free. 
The only other chance I may have is my mother's house.  It is actually a manufactured home on a lot that my mother owned in a 55 and over park.  It was worth a lot a while ago but the market crashed and also my mother didn't take care of it since she had lived with her boyfriend for several years so it has been empty and my sister says it has mold.  And my mother didn't pay taxes or insurance or home owners association fees for several years.  Plus, she took a reverse mortgage out on it.  So it most likely is not worth anything and will probably go to the bank.

I'm just going to give you a (((HUG))).