[scfr]

Not knowing the details of your specific situation, I can't make any recommendations. So, I'll do a make-believe scenario and pretend that I can go back 20 years in time and advise my younger self, with the benefit of hindsight, what to do with the imaginary $1mill I had just inherited. This is what I would advise my younger self:

1. Tell as few people as necessary about the inheritance. You will never have to wonder if people just pretend to like you because they know you have money.

2. If you get married, for crying out loud, get a prenup.

3. Just park the money for at least 5 years. Take maybe $10K to blow on something if you really want to, but don't touch the rest. Develop your career. Figure out what you want to do with your life. Some amazing possibilities might occur to you. If you're entrepreneurial, you may decide to start your own business (and you'll be able to finance it with cash, instead of incurring debt). If you're uber-charitable, you may decide to adopt special needs children and become a stay-at-home-parent to them. You may decide to become "The Millionaire Next Door," living in a paid-for modest home and driving a sensible sedan. Etc. Etc. You get the picture. You have been given the gift of choice. Make your choices consciously and deliberately. Don't let the money slip through your fingers.

Be patient. Be smart. Good luck.