What should a college student do with their savings?

Quick question for all the financial gurus out there. I've saved up about 60k over the past couple of years, and I just have it all in a savings account earning basically no interest. I am currently on scholarship in college and so have no immediate use for the money. Coming from a lower middle class family, I don't know a lot about personal finance and am hesitant to invest because I'm worried I might completely screw it up, but at the same time I feel like I am essentially losing money if I don't at least invest in something.

I know that many advocate 60/40 stocks and bonds and focusing on index funds, but it seems like right now is a bad time to get into equities. Would it be completely stupid of me to just buy 60k worth of 1 year US government treasury bills and wait for a downturn to buy the index? I know that maybe seems extremely conservative especially given my youth, but this is a huge amount of money for my family, and as such I am pretty risk adverse.

I would love it if you guys who know a lot more than me would chime in on this. What would you do if you were in my position? Should I open a Roth IRA or do anything like that? Thanks, I appreciate any help.

 
Most Helpful

Dolor et ex exercitationem ipsa ut. Amet quia odio quia et. Id autem quod quidem dolor. Deserunt corrupti temporibus rerum velit repudiandae optio est. Rem sunt maiores ut esse. Perspiciatis alias est ipsam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (145) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”