Ok, I'm going to actually suggest something crazy instead of either the stock market or blowing it all on a trip around the world, or hookers and booze. The t

Ok, I'm going to actually suggest something crazy instead of either the stock market or blowing it all on a trip around the world, or hookers and booze. The two latter suggestions may be more worthwhile individually, but for the sake of argument, lets focus on investments. Put it towards a HOUSE. Whats that, the housing market sucks? Time and time again the US Government has been telling us they will do EVERYTHING in their power to prevent further price erosion, even at the risk of inflation. They've kept the rate incredible low and are willing to continue to do so. Getting a house gives you a place to live, a hedge against inflation, an income generating opportunity, and a tax write-off. A two bedroom apartment in my neighborhood is around $2000-$2500 bucks a month. My housing expenses are $2500 a month, but I rent one room out to a friend ($650 a month), around $500 a month of my payments go to principle, and I save about $700 a month on my taxes. All in all, even if prices stay flat I'm much better off than renting (and my place is bigger than the apartments with a yard).