JBJ, you have a LOT of reading and learning to do. For now, if you are getting a lump sum of cash I would suggest the following:
- Pick a brokerage company out of the big 3 (Vanguard, Schwab, or Fidelity). VG is a popular choice as they have low costs. Schwab and Fidelity are marginally more expensive, but have local offices lots of places and have higher service levels. FWIW, I use Schwab for 90% of my assets and have been a happy customer for 16 years, but you really cannot go wrong with any of the three.
- get the money sent to your account at your chosen broker.
- buy a 6 month treasury bill with the money. Promise yourself that you will not do anything with the money until the treasury bill matures, as this will help you avoid temptation.
Once you have done that, start reading. Grab some personal finance books. The
www.early-retirement.org forum has a suggested reading list that would be a good place to start. Learn as much as you can, and ask questions here, e-r.org and bogleheads. DO NOT under any circumstances hire any advisor, money manager, accountant, etc. whether from your chosen brokerage or anywhere else. There are a lot of people in the business who will do you wrong and rob you blind. Stay away from everyone and spend time learning.
Healthcare insurance, for the record, is really easy under Obamacare. Quit your job and you can buy an exchange policy that is open to everyone (no pre-existing conditions). Put that worry aside for now and spend your energy earning to safeguard and grow your nest egg.