What would you do with $20,000?

[platedlizard]

This isn't a 'what would you do if you won the lottery' type question. I actually deposited the money in my account this morning. Twenty Thousand US Dollars. Part of my share of Grandma's estate. There's going to be a similar check at the end of this year, and a couple more Big Checks next year as well. More money then I have ever had. I would prefer to have my grandma, of course, but the money is suuure nice.

I have no fucking clue what to do with it.

I'm going to pay off my credit card, of course, but unlike a lot of people my credit card bill isn't spiraling out of control (at least, not anymore). I'm going to move out to a nice appartment that allows pets (a necessity, I have nine birds, a hamster, two lizards, a 55 gallon planted freshwater fishtank, with an iquana possibly on the way. Also, I want a dog). I want a new wardrobe and computer, iPod, etc, but all of that won't cost me more then five or six thousand, and that's if I go all out. I have a fairly good car that's paid off. I just bought a nice cage for the cockatiels.

That's all, though.

One option is go back to school. Or get certified as a dog trainer with a nationally recognized program (which costs a couple thousand dollars). I kinda want to go to Moorpark Animal Training College but the housing prices there are incredible (seriously, $700/month for a studio!) and I think I would blow through even that amount of cash there pretty quick.

Any ideas?

Comments

[misora.livejournal.com]

Contact a financial advisor in your area for investment. Not necessarily in the stock market (which is sometimes still depressed, but for now isn't really doing much); instead try some conservative bonds or moneymarket accounts...whatever will garner you the most interest on your money. It's not like a retirement fund; your money will be available to you whenever you need it. Take out only what you'd need to get the things you want for right now (clothes, ipod, some cash for apartment, school program), and invest the rest.

You could attend the animal training college if you were working to supplement the cash you already have. Plus, you could always get a roommate to cheapen your rent significantly (although I don't know very many people who'd want to live with that many animals, but you never know! You might luck out and find someone who's cool with it).

[platedlizard.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm definitely going to get a financal advisor since they would be able to help me with this. I don't want to be like most lottery winners and be broke in a few years because I spent it all.

According to the college's own website people in the program don't really have enough time to work outside. Students have to care for the animals am and pm, work at the zoo (for free, mind you) on the weekends, plus attend courses. I've talked to people who have gone there, and they said that while it's worth it, it's also very gruelling. If I go I might take the animal science course first for the first year as that isn't as intessive and would let me become a resedent. The good news is that there are several PetSmarts in the area, and I would not have a problem transfering. I don't think I would a Pet Trainer over there, though. Any job would be strictly part-time.