conversation: User (lostinmoney): "I’m a lurker on this sub, and I’m fairly literate in “personal finance basics.” However, I’ve just received a windfall of $1M. I've read the wiki on windfalls, but I'm still really overwhelmed, and I'd appreciate any and all advice, or even a status check of sorts. I’ve just never handled so much money in my life and I’m scared of screwing it up.\n\nFirstly, *I do not plan on spending any of this money.* I want this to carry me into a comfortable retirement. I’m also thinking about the possibility of buying my own home maybe less than ten years from now.\n\nOk, so a little about me: 23F living in NYC, working my first “big girl” job making $51K/yr. I live with my cousin in a condo my uncle owns. I pay $700 in rent (I know it’s well less than market rate, but it covers my portion of the condo charges, utilities, etc).\n\nIn addition to the $1M (which is currently just sitting in high yield savings accounts), I have $50K of my own savings, $11K in a Roth IRA (maxed for 2018) and $25K in a taxable account (both at Vanguard, invested in various VTSAX/VTIAX/VTI/VOO). I’m a newbie at investing, and I don’t really know anything other than index funds. I do plan on maxing my 401k and continuing to contribute to my IRA to take advantage of tax shelters.\n\nI’m fully aware that I’m from a fairly well off family, and I am a very fortunate human being. I wouldn’t really say I’m frugal - I like to go shopping and I like to go out to eat, but I wouldn’t say I’m an excessive spender either. My brother (who got the same amount as I did), said I should go talk to a financial advisor. I got hits when searching Google, but I don’t even know where to begin in how to pick one. I know Vanguard and Schwab (where I have my checking account) both have advisor services (free if you have a certain balance), and Schwab has this advisor network where they can refer you to a local independent advisor. Should I start with one of these?\n\nI can answer any additional questions, and any advice or input is much appreciated. Thank you!"
  Self: "Educate thyself. Google "Bogleheads" and how to handle a windfall. BTW, Bogle founded Vanguard."
  