I need to get in the mentality so I don't just lose everything all at once
Stop spending the money.
Start looking at what to put it into that will give you ROI.
And if that's already done for you, then DON'T switch.
If the $$$ you get (monthly? annually?) allows you to live, then do that for a bit-- do Europe on the cheap, or camp around the US.
Spend the interest, not the principal (this may be the most important advice I ever give you).
Experiencing life does not mean you need to be a baller. Or a Douche.
(did I get those terms right, guys? Back in the day we called 'em credit card millionaires).
Get smart FIRST.
Don't touch the money-- or let anyone else touch it-- until you do.
-Russ H.
PS A word of warning-- while the majority of people here are class acts, there are always a few sharks trolling around, looking for an easy kill. You may get PMs from forums members telling you about GREAT investment deals that they have a line on. Look up their posts first-- see if they've even posted, or if they're just here to troll for loose change. Chances are, if anyone is a legit investor, they will look for YOU to contact THEM*, not the other way around.
*After you've done your due diligence.