Risks - when NOT to take them.  What do you value more: your money or your health?  Unfortunately, without good health, it is quite difficult to earn or enjoy money!  Keep your priorities straight - no way car maintenance is more important than your mind and body's.  Not to mention, whether you decide to invest early or pay it back later, you're going to have to pony up either way... So, every passing day you choose between these risks.  Now which will it be?