conversation: User (pfinancethrowway): "So, my brother passed a few weeks ago. He had 3 life insurance policies, 2 from his work and one personal one, totaling somewhere over $500,000 altogether. My mother is set as the beneficiary for all 3.\n\nHere's the problem. I'm 18, and I lived with my brother. I helped out with basic costs (food etc.) but I work a shit $10 an hour job so it's not like I was making rent payments. For all intents and purposes I was dependent on him for my living situation. We lived together across the country from my parents. I moved in with him to get out on my own and be independent basically. \n\nMy mom is considering buying a house in the area for me with some of the money but I just don't know. It sounds exciting and great and all, but I just don't want to do anything rash. We've been perusing houses with a budget of $200,000, the plan would be that I would settle in, get a couple roommates for some side income and go to college up here. I would be ok with renting a place, but a. it feels like throwing money away, and b. I have a German Shepherd, a big no no for most apartments, plus my brother's dog to look after now.\n\nI see this as a potential investment opportunity out of the money, but it's a very scary leap and I just don't want to rush into anything. On the other hand, the house I'm living in is a ticking time bomb, my parents can help me make payments but we're eventually just going to let the house go back to the bank.\n\nI've wanted my mom to speak to a financial adviser or something about all this, but it just feels like everything is moving so fast. Any words of wisdom would be much appreciated."
  Self: "I'm sorry for your loss.    It's difficult to make life decisions when grieving.   Where do you live.    I would suggest renting an apartment for 6 months just to give you time to consider all options.    Is it a place you want to live ?   What area ?   Which house?     Which college?     I would definitely not buy a house right away.    That would be putting the cart before the horse.    For a place to live, renting a small apartment is a better choice.      With houses come expenses that you're not in position to afford.   Insurance. Taxes.  Repairs.  Maintenance.    You have no real income,  and room mates at your age sometimes don't either and so don't pay rent on time.    Etc etc etc\n\nPause.  Grieve.  Pause some more.   Then start moving forward with various options. \n\nMany Financial advisors will want to take your money.   Educate yourself.   Life 101.   .   "
  