What to Do?

I mean, I could help you spend it

What's the rate on that bond? You'll barely be treading water versus inflation. Smart not to buy any overpriced stocks at the moment.

NovaGator said:

Alright gang. My wife just came into $270,000. We have no debt, own our house free and clear.
Where would be a good, safe place to invest it? I have been advised Series EE saving's bonds.
She doesn't want to put any more money into the stock market or mutual funds. What would you advise?

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I was in a similar situation just recently(6 month's ago) when I received a settlement(a little less than half of your amount) but I am in a very unique situation(Wifey is pretty much set so I don't have to worry about her). I figured what worked best for me based on my holdings and lack of to some degree(no 401k) and figured how much longer I wanted to work.
I've never been a huge fan of the stock market but in my opinion it's not going to stop for another 3 or 4 years....too much money coming back into our economy and people are not knee jerking about the political BS the same way they were in 2017-2018....

No 2 people or couples are in the same exact place, age, stage, financial situation, or estate planning so take what anyone says with that in mind. Are you retired? If not how close or how long? Is the sum taxable? In my case is wasn't(isn't). A lot to think about but it sounds like you already know what you're doing by the fact that you have no debt. Keep us posted.

Wow @NovaGator , you are making it tough if you are ruling out stocks. DO NOT get me wrong, as a whole the market is way extended, but at times you can find individual companies that might be of value. But one never knows when it will end. Could be tomorrow or as Crete thinks, might be years, But if you do go funds, please put it in one that is free. No reason to pay for basically nothing. If you are going to go with bonds, maybe reach a little to tax free muni's. Might not get more than 3ish %, but might find investment grade and it is tax free. Might also find some taxable muni's with a smidge better rate if you are not allergic to paying taxes, LOL. some might say putting that into a rental property, but not knowing your locale, I happen to believe that we are in peak housing prices and the only reason they are here now is low rates. If rates tick up at all, house prices will fall in unison with size of any rate increases.

As far as any US Treasury, since rates are low, you would have to go out 20+ years just to get 2 %. I would not say no to anything you want to do for safety, but I would just say that if you do anything Government bond related or long duration, why not just go with a simple money market account. Some of these Internet banks are offering 2%ish, no fees and FDIC insured. That way it remains totally liquid if you do change your thought process and want access to the money asap.

But when all else fails, hookers are always a good way to "invest" the money. A true business transaction in which you pay them to LEAVE. As much as you pay a wife, they seem to hang around. Good luck.

Perhaps s[read investment in CD's, money market, EE Bonds, Muni's and some in the stock market.

NovaGator said:

Alright gang. My wife just came into $270,000. We have no debt, own our house free and clear.
Where would be a good, safe place to invest it? I have been advised Series EE saving's bonds.
She doesn't want to put any more money into the stock market or mutual funds. What would you advise?

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My brother owns a very successful investment and retirement planning firm. He just published a book and he built and owns the office building they occupy and manage. Sadly, he is not a sports fan and, ergo, does not frequent this board.

PM me if you'd like me to connect you. He's a great guy. If nothing else, you can bounce some ideas off of him and get another opinion for free.

NovaGator said:

Alright gang. My wife just came into $270,000. We have no debt, own our house free and clear.
Where would be a good, safe place to invest it? I have been advised Series EE saving's bonds.
She doesn't want to put any more money into the stock market or mutual funds. What would you advise?

Click to expand...

Bonds? Cds munis? puhlease. what is this, the 70s?

NovaGator said:

Alright gang. My wife just came into $270,000. We have no debt, own our house free and clear.
Where would be a good, safe place to invest it? I have been advised Series EE saving's bonds.
She doesn't want to put any more money into the stock market or mutual funds. What would you advise?

Click to expand...

You haven’t provided enough information.

What is your goal with the money and how long before you plan to use it?

78 said:

You haven’t provided enough information.

What is your goal with the money and how long before you plan to use it?

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Perfect first questions.

I am starting to think he was just bragging.

Starts the thread and then hasn't posted a thing sense

URGatorBait said:

Starts the thread and then hasn't posted a thing sense

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He could be doing what I've been prone to do when coming into a chunk before......
Blow
Hookers
Boats
Hot Rods


I'm kidding about the first one....

Concrete Helmet said:

He could be doing what I've been prone to do when coming into a chunk before......
Blow
Hookers
Boats
Hot Rods


I'm kidding about the first one....

Click to expand...

I don't think you are

Is there a particular place you'd like vacation on a regular basis? Would a lake house or mountain cabin fit into that picture? Buying a vacation home gives you multiple benefits/options:

1. Real estate rarely depreciates in value, other than the occasional market dip. Long term, you can typically ride out those dips.

2. You could potentially manage it as an Air B&B income property, if you don't plan to use it year-round. Then, someone else is paying off your mortgage. You simply block off the dates you plan to be there for your R&R.

3. If income property is not your preference, you can still enjoy your investment until you're ready to sell (instead of monitoring Wall St). It could be a great place for family to visit/vacation.

Note: if you're brave, you could consider a beachfront house, but hurricanes will always be looming and I hear insurance is getting outrageous.

I've lost count the number of people who said, "if I had bought that 20 years ago, it would be worth $$$ today!"

If you're into DIY home improvement, you can lower your expenses.


***BTW, another option could be the pre-paid college tuition program for kids or grandkids. At the rate tuition is rising, that's a low risk investment, IMHO.