<prompt> Human: I just learned I will be receiving a gift of 10,000, from my aging grandmother who was advised to spend down her estate, in approximately one week. I was asked if I would prefer cash, stock or another method.My knowledge of finance is very limited and I usually just follow advice from my father, but want to start taking control over my financial future.That said, Im panicking because I dont need cash but dont know what the hell to do with this money.Heres a synopsis of my current financial situation:-Im 33 years old and debt-free, and do not plan to have children. seems potentially relevant-Excellent credit. Not sure exactly, definitely over 700. Have had a credit card since age 16 and paid my balance every month without fail, as well as student loans for several years until paying them off several years ahead of time.-33,000 gross salary. Just signed up for Simple IRA at 15 per pay to catch up for the remainder of the year, will adjust this January 1.-12,000 in checking account, no savings account.-2,500 in a CD that matures at the end of this month. It never made much so Id like to find out what I ought to do with that, too.-21,000 in a 401a plan from a previous government job. This has averaged a 13 return, mostly because it grew by 27 in 2014 As I understand it, I can contribute more to this at any time although I no longer work for the government.-6,500 in a mutual fund with American Century. Has been hit or miss, averaging just over 7 since 94 but losing most years with a couple of big gains mixed in.-About 2,000 worth of stock in a bank formerly frequented by my grandparents. It was bought as a gift. Not sure of the returns as I rarely look at it and cant access it online.-My car is worth 1,000 but is likely to last a few more years because of good maintenance. I do not own property but my rent is 225 a month in a major city because I have several roommates.Whats the best use of this gift? Buy stock? Add to my existing 401a? Buy a house in my city and fill it up with roommates I travel for work so roommates keep my house safe and rent low? Any and all advice will be appreciated!Edit: a word.Assistant: You say you have no savings and your car is worth 1000. Might want to create a savings account with car fund.Human: No savings ACCOUNT. I see no point as the interest rate is so low. The 12,000 in checking is my cash savings. Im going to reword that.Assistant: The point is the same. You have a very low-cost lifestyle now. One reason to have more money is if you dont want to keep living with roommates or driving a 1000 car. But if youre ok with that, it doesnt make much difference whether your money is available whenever you want, or restricted for e.g. retirement.Human: That much is accurate, but Id like something that gives a bigger return on my money. A savings account has such a low interest rate that it seems like there must be better options out there.  <response>: The choice of investment depends when you need the money. If you dont need it, save it for retirement in an index fund. 