1. Pay off any debts I had. 2. Keep 6 months reserves in cash (maybe 12 depending on my view of the current political outlook) 2. If I had plans to staying pu

1. Pay off any debts I had. 2. Keep 6 months reserves in cash (maybe 12 depending on my view of the current political outlook) 2. If I had plans to staying put for at least 3-5 years, a down payment for a modest home in a good neighborhood, possibly a fixer, something I could rent out in a few years if I moved. I am young(ish) and have good earning potential so am confident that taking out a mortgage at current historically low rates and investing the rest in the stock market will provide higher returns in the long run than paying a house off immediately. 4. Put the rest in low-fee index funds. If you don't already have a burning passion to pursue something that this money enables you to do and you have other sources of income already, don't go looking for a hole to throw your money down. Unless it's money you can afford to lose, your investments should be "boring banking stuff".