<prompt> Human: We just sold our first home and are moving to another state CA where the cost of living is very high. We do not plan on buying another home for at least 5 years. We will be renting in the meantime.We are going to be walking away with over 100,000 after paying off expenses and mortgage. We would like to save that for our next down payment. What is our best option for a modest yet safe return for 5 years? How do I start eTrade?? Any advice would be much appreciated.  <response>: best option for a modest yet safe return for 5 years?It depends on your risk tolerance. If it was me, I would probably do something like 5050 VTSMX in a taxable account.How do I start?Do you really want to use E-Trade? I would suggest a brokerage that provides access to no-load, low-cost, broad-market index funds like Vanguard, Fidelity, or Charles Schwab. To start, just go open an account. 