Nina Resendiz, age 23, recently received a $12,000 gift from her aunt. Nina is considering various uses for these unexpected funds including paying off credit card bills from her last vacation or setting aside money for a down payment on a house. Or she might invest the money in a tax-deferred retirement account. Another possibility is using the money for technology certification courses to enhance her earning power. Nina also wants to contribute some of the funds to a homeless shelter and a world hunger organization. She is overwhelmed by the choices and comments to herself, "I want to avoid the temptation of wasting the money on impulse items. I want to make sure I use the money on things with lasting value."
For above situation, identify the main financial planning issues that need to be addressed.