<prompt> Human: Hello personal finance,Ive decided to take a year off before university to make some money and I was wondering what the smartest thing to do with my money would be? My father wants me to invest in stocks and my uncle suggested I get some tax free savings bonds? I will probably have in the area of 45-50 thousand by the end of the year after living expenses etc. I pretty much dont know anything about personal finance and other than simply saving my money in my student bank account I dont really know what do to. Your advice would be greatly appreciatedThanks,TL;DR45-50 grand after taxes and expenses in one year after taking year off before university, smartest course of action for saving?  <response>: If youre saving for a short term goal 5-7 years, keep the money in a safe place like CDs. While stocks will likely win over the long term 30 years, they can drop by 50 at any time, and stay down for a long period. Look at Japan over the last 25 years, for example. 