<prompt> Human: The settlement is due to the death causing my mom to be a widow. I want to make sure she makes the best financial decisions. Shes already talking about buying houses and living off of rent. She has always been a housewife and has no additional income. She also has no debt and enough in savings to live comfortably for the next 6-7 years including any medical expenses.First, is this amount worth seeking a financial planner, lawyer, or any sort of professional? I assume most of this is non taxable since its not technically income. She lives in a small town and I dont think anyone in town is qualified for this. Assistant: A financial planner is a good idea. But self education is more important. Start with Reddits wiki in personal finance. Just to start learning the terminology. In my opinion, firstly Get the money in a bank account that will make interest. Citibank has a good money market account. Other banks may be better. Be VERY wary of people wanting to get their hands in the pot. Never tell anyone how much she has just received. Especially family If youre at a bank and your start to feel uncomfortable about what they want to do with your money. Just say no thank you and move on. There are plenty of reputable banks and financial planners. Believe it or not, banks and financial planners do Not always have your best interest in mind. If they can they will steer you toward investments or accounts that benefit them. Keeping it simple is always the best strategy. Be wary of taxes. Although you believe she doesnt owe, you need to be 100 certain. You can call the IRS. They are surprisingly helpful. Sidenote, be sure its the actual IRS, Google can be..tricky As Im sure youre aware. 750k seems like a lot, but it can go quickly if youre not careful. If she already has a home she is happy with it might be easier to have her pay the mortgage off and be debt free. It may be better to continue her mortgage. She can live comfortably for a long time, if she makes it last. Human: Thanks. Im just weary of a lot of scammy FPs. Im 75 sure shes going to tell the family despite what I tell her.Good call on calling the IRS, Ill do that to make sure. She has no debt right now. She wants to move to a warmer climate, which Im not going to argue if she does it responsibly. I want her to be responsible with the money, but I also want her to enjoy her life.  <response>: You need to ask her WHY she wants to tell the family. Its tough for Anyone to not brag, in our Facebook world. But honestly it will cause more harm than good. They will get the hint soon enough, when she moves or goes on vacation. 