<prompt> Human: I have 90K in a USAA bank account from an inheritance and I want to just park it somewhere, treat it like it doesnt exist, and let it compound. Ive heard that Vanguard index or mutual funds, or Vanguard ETF, would be a safe way to park it that earns a pretty good interest rate. However, Im a complete newbie to all of this and theres a lot of information flying around that I dont know how to interpret. Can someone provide advice on what I should do, what Im not thinking about tax implications if I have an emergency and need to withdraw the money early?? Really appreciate it. Thank you.  <response>: Windfalls0 Im assuming you already have a good budget in which you save 15-20 each month, but if you dont you need that before looking at anything.1 Top off your emergency fund until its 3-6 months of living expenses.2 Pay off any high interest debts 43 Contribute enough to IRA to max it out for 2017 and 2018 5.5k per year. I suggest funds like VFINX, VOO, andor VTSMX for the bulk of investment portfolios while youre young.4 Save for any major, needed purchases coming up. Surgeries, house, car maintenance, wedding, childcare, etc etc5 If you get through all of those step and have leftover money, its very flexible. Safe options would be to pay low interest debt or increase 401k contributions. Taxable accounts invested just like the IRA are a good, more risky, option 