[Oratam]

I think the key is to have a very detailed, well thought out plan for what you would do should a serious boat-load of cash land in your lap. (Sorry for the mixed metaphor.)

Should it happen, you won't go down the same path as so many lottery winners and maybe, just maybe, developing such a detailed plan would serve to spur you on to making it happen without first having the big 'pay day'.

[Cincinna]

Besides paying off existing debts, what would you suggest?
How would you invest $250-$500k?