Inheriting money is a blessing, but it can also be a burden if you don't know what to do with it. You may not have any experience with investing, even though you will be faced with the decision of how to invest your money wisely.

Fortunately, there are many types of investments that you can explore when you inherit a large sum of money. Here's a look at some of the most common types of investments and what they entail.

Bonds 

Bonds are debt instruments where an investor loans money to an entity in exchange for interest payments over a predetermined period. Bonds are considered low-risk investments because the entity issuing them is obligated to pay back the principal along with all accrued interest payments when the bond matures.

This makes bonds a safe investment option for those who want steady returns without taking on too much risk. You only have to worry about the issuer defaulting on their payments, which is unlikely if you invest in bonds issued by the U.S. government or other highly rated institutions.

Stocks

Stocks are shares of ownership in a company. When you buy stocks, you become part owners of the company and share in its profits (or losses). Stocks can offer high returns over time, but they also come with higher risk than bonds because their value can fluctuate significantly due to market conditions or other factors beyond your control.

For example, a company's stock may drop significantly if the company releases bad news or reports losses. This will be spread out over all the stocks you own in that company, reducing your overall return.

For this reason, you need to do your research before investing in stocks and understand the potential risks and rewards before putting any money into them. Talk to a financial advisor if you are unsure of which stocks to choose.

Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are professionally managed portfolios that contain stocks, bonds, or other financial instruments like commodities or derivatives. Mutual funds offer diversification since they pool together funds from multiple investors into one fund that experienced professionals manage. These professionals decide which securities should be included in the portfolio based on their knowledge and expertise.

This means mutual funds can offer higher returns than investing in individual stocks or bonds alone while still providing diversification and lowering overall risk exposure. Plus, mutual funds offer easy access to a wide range of investments and can be bought and sold quickly, making them an ideal choice for those looking to invest their inheritance.

Investing in your inheritance is an exciting prospect but can also be overwhelming if you don't know where to start. The good news is that many options are available depending on your goals, level of risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Consult an experienced financial advisor before making any decisions about how best to invest your inheritance for maximum benefit.