Hi All:
I know that this is really off topic.However, I have an unusual situation, and I have to believe that some of you out there are professionally qualified to answer my question. Others who have experience in financial affairs are invited to respond also.

Some of you may recall that my dad passed away very suddenly in December of 2005.

I spent the entire time between then and now taking care of my mother who was a stroke victim, as well as my marginally retarded younger sister.

Well, I'm sorry to have to say that mom passed away as well on November 26, 2006.

Unfortunatly, mom refused to form a trust, or write a will. She didn't believe in them even though I begged her to.

The bottom line is this.

Although, it will be about a year before the estate is settled, I am going to have about $275,000.00-$300,000.00 in cash in various bank accounts. I will also have two pieces of real property with approximately $500,000.00 in combined equity.

Right now all that cash is sitting in various CD's, and IRA's, and ordinary checking accounts. Somehow, I have to believe that there are better investments out there.

Remember, I have a marginally retarded sister that I need to take care of, most likely for the rest of my life. Consequently, I want to make that the most out of these assets.

I have to believe that some of our members are financial planners, or have experience in financial planning.

To those of you who have experience in these matters, I would appreciate your feedback.

I thank you in advance for you help.

Cliff