Anybody have experience in investing in virtual world banks/businesses/markets (such as those in SecondLife.com etc)? Do they provide a serious way of making a sensible risk/reward on five or six figure investments? I have found discussion of investing in virtual worlds in this article for example which concludes its very high risk but maybe someone has heard of a viable diversification strategy out there?

College savings: Does the government care how you spend a college savings plan in Canada? More than a year ago, I asked about registered educational savings plans . Now I'm wondering how the (Canadian) government regulates how you spend them. I understand when my child(ren) can withdraw the funds and that they have to be registered in a post-secondary program. But, aside from that, how does the government check to see what you spent the money on? I see that there's a $42,000 contribution limit over your child's lifetime. Let's say this grows to $78k. Tuition in, say, 2023, is $12k per year and my child needs a total of $50k to cover four years while living at home. My child also works at some internships and part-time jobs that cover, say, $24k of expenses. After they kick that in, there's around $50k left in the RESP. Heck, let's say there's even $25k left.

I am Inheriting $100,000.00. I recently learned I have a CD with my name on it as the sole "POD" (Payable On Death) beneficiary. I have a basic understanding of personal finance and investing. I am married, 39 years old with one child. I'm really a little lost with this. I've been told a hundred grand is not enough to tweak the interest of a financial adviser. Do MeFites have any ideas on how to invest $100,000.00? Should it be Stocks? CDs? Mutual Funds? I would welcome any and all advice - including a sample portfolio if you so desire. Thank you!