a family member passed away and i found out i was the beneficiary in their ins policy...it was for 50,000.

now I have a parent I care for and work part time BUT i don't want to waste or blow this money so what should i do with it?

I DEFINITELY want to diversify a portfolio..(IRAS, money market accounts, stocks, bonds etc)

I figure 15-20k to settle up house business (pay off bills, make repairs, some new furniture, my and my parent's own ins and burial plans etc..) but the other 25-30k should be invested...

I feel the economy and market will make a positive upturn soon and i would like to be on the inside track of that..(ex: about 10-15 years a amazon.com stock was going for cheap and now those invested are MILLIONAIRES..) is there something out there like that on the horizon.

I want this money to MAKE money...

thanx...