<prompt> Human: I just inherited 20k from my brother, who died at 24 and made me his life insurance beneficiary. I saw the little guide on the side of PersonalFinance already, and plan to put 5k in a breakable CD...but that leaves me with 15,000. I am 23 F and still live with my parents, I have 150 left to pay off of my credit card, and I work a part time job currently, while looking for a full time one. I have an AA degree from a community college and wanted to go back to school for a while to get a bachelors from a university, but feel that is not a good investment with my brothers last gift to me. Id also like to spend 1k on the clothes and things I have been wanting for a long time, but have not felt like I could afford, even when I could afford it.I am sick at the thought of wasting the money he gave to me, so I want to grow it, but putting the rest of the 15k in a CD that only has a 1 interest rate doesnt appeal to me. I dont want to lose money, though, either, so I dont think the stock market is for me. What the heck should I do, guys? :s Edit: Book recommendations are also welcome. Should I look for answers in Kiplingers or something, too?  <response>: I dont think that theres a better investment in your long time financial health better than a bachelors degree, assuming it advances your career possibilities. If there is a field you want to study that actually has jobs that a bachelors would qualify you for, thats my recommendation. I dont know your brother, but my brother would have wanted me to advance my education. Note: not recommended if you have a high paying job already andor you are planning to follow a degree path without job prospects. 