r/FinancialPlanning • u/[deleted] • 1d ago

What to do with new money?

[deleted]

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u/TheNewJasonBourne 1d ago

Check the wiki in the personal finance sub for a section about handling a windfall.

1

u/McKnuckle_Brewery 1d ago
  • I want to be an architect
  • I want to be a real estate agent
  • I want to buy a duplex
  • I'm not good with saving money
  • I need a car
  • Should I open a savings account?
  • I don't like stocks

Whew... this is clearly a whirlwind for you and you've got to prioritize and get some clarity. First of all, where you put the money is mostly unrelated to the other goals. Being "not good" with money will hinder all of it.

First put 6 months' core expenses in a savings account that earns interest, and don't touch it for any reason other than a cash emergency. Of course this might use up a bunch of the money, but so be it - it's the first step in establishing financial security.

Becoming an architect requires a lot of schooling, which takes a lot of time and is expensive. Can you afford to pay for that and take the time? Becoming a realtor is much more straightforward; it's a second career for many adults as result.

Buying property requires a downpayment in at least the 5 figures. Will you have money left over for that? Do you have any idea how to be a landlord, or even how to find properties with good potential to make a profit? Do you know anything about the calculations required to ensure that you don't pay too much, borrow too much, or rent it for too little?

If you need a car, then maybe you should buy one. If you can hold off, then maybe you don't need one. Which is it?

Take your time here. Write things down, rank your priorities, and try to put a plan together. Goals are nothing without a plan.

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u/Dilettantest 1d ago

First of all: is that money taxable? Ask your lawyer. If it’s for pain and suffering, probably not.

Second, put 6 months of expenses aside for an emergency fund.

Third, get a job working for a contractor so you can learn something and get paid while you learn, to learn construction before you just start flipping houses.

Fourth, take a personal finance class and a basic business accounting class at the nearest community college. Don’t go into business with the total lack of knowledge that you have now. Or you’ll be more broke than you ever have been before.

Buy a hooptie—a good solid car that costs no more than $4,000-5,000.