I would take $2,000,000 and use it to buy and furnish a modest home, buy vehicles for myself and my family and leave the rest liquid to live on for the next two years, with a remainder for a rainy day.
The remaining $8,000,000, I would divide by 18, and invest in 18 separate tax-free municipal bonds issued by municipalities or states that are governed by reasonably conservative local governments.
I would build this 18-month bond ladder in a manner that would enable one of these $444,000 bonds to mature each month, starting in approximately 2 years, to generate tax-free income of approximately $10,000 to $12,000 per month, (or 3%) which is plenty to live a life-style that most people only dream about, considering that this life would be mortgage-free with a considerable rainy-day fund.
I would withdraw the interest each month and either live on it or donate to charity each month, as I roll over the principal into the next safe tax-free municipal bond to mature in 19 months.
I would not trade these bonds, but hold each one to maturity.
