My wife and I just recieved $80k from a lawsuit. We have a combined income of $75K, own a three family home that we live in but soon hope to move and buy another home and rent out all three apts. Other than the house, we have $35k in loans and credit cards. What is the best way to spend/invest our money?
2007-03-07 14:30:57 · 24 answers · asked by donnyhlt 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
Congratulations!
I hope that the $80,000 is what you cleared (assuming your attorney's fees have already been dealt with...)
From what I understand, you don't have to pay taxes on the settlements from lawsuits. You'll want to double-check with your attorney, of course. But assuming that's true, it's probably the last time you'll see a lump of cash you won't have to pay taxes on. (And if it isn't true, put away about 1/3 of it in a safe holding pattern for the inevitable!)
Enjoy! I'd take at least $1k and blow it just for the sheer joy of it.
After that, I'd pay off the $35k in loans and credit cards, unless the interest rates are so low that you could make higher interest on an investment and justify keeping the debt. (This is rarely the case.)
After that, it all depends on your long-term goals. As a general rule, investing in retirement vehicles of one type or another (up to the maximum allowable) would probably be a good choice. Assuming you stay on course with your current salaries and do well with renting properties, you'll probably want to look at the Roth IRA (because, as I said earlier, you may already not have to pay taxes on the settlement, you'd also be able to take the money out after age 59 1/5 tax-free, includng the interest it earns.)
Beyond that, you may want to consider a mutual fund and/or creating an emergency fund (particularly one that takes into account your landlord status) in a liquid investment vehicle (like one of the online high-interest savings accounts.)
You might also consider hiring a certified financial planner to help you make these decisions. Just be sure that you find someone who will listen to you about your goals and objectives.
2007-03-07 14:52:18 · answer #1 · answered by ISOintelligentlife 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Something I haven't seen in the other answers: Boost your 401(k) or 403(b) contributions if your employer matches your contributions. Boost your contributions so that you get the maximum employer match. Your bigger pre-tax matchable retirement contributions will pinch your paycheck, so you can use the windfall to make up the difference.
I affirm that your credit score will soar if you pay off all debts, but I would pay off those debts only if their interest rate can't be topped by an investment having a higher after-tax return. Student loans often have low-enough rates for this to work.
You won't be subject to Federal income tax on money won in a lawsuit. Ask your accountant about state law.
Spend a small amount on a get-away vacation. Take the time to heal the emotional and spiritual stuff from the court fight.
Give to a worthy charity of your choice. True grace is experienced as receiving a seemingly unmerited reward. Experience gratitude, which is a two way street..
Please vote: Did this help?
2007-03-08 00:09:20 · answer #2 · answered by VT 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
First, put it in a high interest earning account (no term) until you are ready to invest it.
Second, pay off your debts completely, they are killing you with the interest rates.
Third, decide where you want to live and you can use the remainder of the money she received from the lawsuit for the down payment. Don't do this unless my fourth suggestion is positive.
Fourth, rent out the three apartments and make sure the rents are keeping with rents in your area for the same types of units. Make sure you do this only if you will be making a profit, or at least breaking even, otherwise, not a good idea.
Fifth, make a donation to a needy charity that you trust of at least $1,000. When you give to others after receiving, you will feel good about yourself knowing you have made someone elses life a little easier.
2007-03-07 22:45:01 · answer #3 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Honestly, ... try this.
Visit swisscash.net
I am an investor with them and have a US$50K portfolio there. I'm getting paid every month on time as promised and guaranteed. The average returns are 20% per MONTH!
You can recover your initial investment amount within 8 months and then it's profits on the run from there.
Read the details...it's easy to understand.
It's not an MLM...nothing to 'market'. You can just be an investor and reap ur returns which are guaranteed as stipulated.
You can visit my financial site provided by them at www.swisscash.net/sgamk1632202
There are alot of negative blogs and people tagging it as a scam.
I know what has happened. There were reports that SC investors scammed others...but I wonder why the corrected newspaper reports are not being circulated. It was never a SC involvement but some clowns scamming others by encouraging them to invest with some Swiss Union Bank. Anyway, hell with skeptics. So far there has been no complaint from a single SC investor that he/she did not get paid as guaranteed.
By the way, I am in touch with some senior consultants of Swisscash and I must say, they are serious dynamic professionals and I'm confident they will be profitable for at least the next few years.
I started with $1K initially and then after my confidence with them, I have now increased to $50,000.
Best regards...Kaz (Singapore)
2007-03-08 06:28:58 · answer #4 · answered by A M K 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
First know that the government is going to come for their tax cut when 04.15.08 rolls around. It is not the lawyers job to pay your taxes! Federal taxes on your 155k '07 income are going to be about $51,500.00 plus state etc etc... for a couple filing jointly.
Pay off the debt. Remove the liability. It will improve your credit score so you can use your banker's money on the next investment property you purchase!
On the other hand, a cruise can be great, too! Alaska or Mexican Riviera are great cruises!
2007-03-07 22:46:54 · answer #5 · answered by Ethan 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Pay off your loans and credit cards. That way you are consumer debt and debt free period. After that, put aside some money for a nice vacation. And invest the rest. You have kids dont you? I assume so. You KNOW what to do with that money lol....Why ask this?
2007-03-07 22:38:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Buy 80,000 tacos.
In all seriousness, I think this is one of those questions you shouldn't turn to the internet to get answered. That is a lot of money, open up the ol' yellow pages and find some sort of accountant or banker or lawyer or whoever and set up a meeting. Properly invested, that money can take you a LONG way.
2007-03-07 22:35:29 · answer #7 · answered by THUB 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
The first thing you need to do is hire a financial adviser. Easy come easy go. He can help you plan better, not waste and most likely invest some for the future.
2007-03-07 22:40:48 · answer #8 · answered by Petra 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Invest 60,000 in oil stock= make sure you get dividends quartley and pay the taxes from the dividends and after a year take 2/3's and do the same thing again etc.
2007-03-07 22:39:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Don't pay off your mortgage or you will have to pay a huge tax bill. Selling your home is a better idea. Why pay taxes on something you have investment in. Invest in your home your real estate, pay off all other non invested bills. Double your 401 k by paying more monthly. But don't ask me, ask the pros.
2007-03-07 22:38:56 · answer #10 · answered by knowitall 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋