Nc due to this easily making me identifiable.
I've been studying hard for 3 years with huge support from Dh and done much better than I expected. This has been done around working and meant lots of evenings working and juggling between Dh and I. I've been extremely lucky to have been awarded a decent monetary 'prize' for my achievements. I would like to take Dh and I away for a long, luxury weekend - basically a bit of a blow out. He has worked just as hard as me to achieve this and supported me so much. We do not go out a lot, we do not spoil ourselves much (can't afford too!), very, very rarely spend money on ourselves and have NEVER had a night away from our children. I really would love to celebrate this achievement just as us and spoil ourselves a bit - nice hotel for a few nights, maybe a spa, nice meals out etc.
On the other hand we owe Mil some money - not a huge amount but this money would go well towards paying it back. I should add beyond this we have no credit cards or loans (beyond mortgage) and try to manage our money well, so this is the only debt. We have a paying back system in place with Mil which she is happy with and she certainly isn't in need of this money as a matter of urgency.
I was telling Mil about the prize tonight and all excited about a potential trip away, and as I put the phone down it suddenly occurred to me should I instead pay her back first (I know I should have thought about this sooner!). To be fair she didn't mention it but I felt bad, like I should prioritise this debt first.
However, a big part of me wants to keep this money a bit separate and do something special with it. AIBU and a bit selfish, should I pay Mil back first....