[Ima saver]

I would not put this money in the stock market or in a mutual fund. Sounds like you might need to touch this money this year, so the savings need so be in a good money market account or savings account. there are several talked about here that are paying over 4% like ING HBCB and emigrant. You might shop around in your home town. I have found a money market here that pays 3.68 but you have to keep $2,500 in it, and one savings that is paing 4.14% for $50,000 or more.
Probably one of the three internet banks is the best for you.