If you're like most folks, the best return would be to pay off outstanding debt. Debt typically carries a higher interest than most investments can offset. If you don't have debt, first of all - good for you! As far as what to invest in...that will depend on wants, needs and expectations of the future. I opted for a multifaceted approach, various investments and improvements around the hooch to make life more endurable as we age. What is right for you probably won't match up against others' "right" choices.
When I was younger I asked a rich old guy for stock trading advice and he told me "pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered." It stuck with me.
Before you invest, figure out what outcome you really want that money to get for you. Investing for income is different from investing for growth, for example. And figure out when that outcome is supposed to happen. Your time horizon can also influence your decision. And I agree with @Asia-Off-Grid. Consult a professional. Not all are sleazebags. Sometimes, they may be able to offer you things not available to the general public.
I retired from Caterpillar in 2011. At that time all my assets were locked up. Growing but slowly. Cat stock was still low after the 2008 fiasco. I advised my accountant to put any money he had loose in CAT stock. I think it was still below fifty at that time. It peaked out above 160 and is still up in a range that would yield a profit if bought at fifty. Needless to say he didn't buy into my free advice. I saw Cat stock do this six or eight times in the 37yrs I worked there.
LOL! Exactly. A "win is a win" and, in the long run, it matters not if that profit is 1% or 100% as long as it as it is on the positive side. Let logic rule not emotions, especially greed, because if you don't you will definitely lose, damn near every time. @Marvin L. Steinhagen "Cat stock was still low after the 2008 fiasco. I advised my accountant to put any money he had loose in CAT stock" I cannot tell you how many times I have heard that story. Brokers really do think short term gains. Also, you knew this stock, inside and out, he didn't because he watches thousands of stocks, while you probably watched a handful. I have had stock that I knew so well that, like you, I knew all it would take was a bit of time. Intel (intc) was one of those and I recently sold all my shares at a huge profit. I bought them over the years whenever they were down and sat on them. Brokers, other investors, friends would tell me "You really should sell them and do something with the money. You can always buy back in later." Yeah, right. I am not saying 'buy and hold' is always the right play but when you get a good company at a good price then one should wait for the right time to sell. I recently sold at a 20 year high, huge profit, all because I didn't get greedy and waited for it.
