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hi dearest Bogleheads community, looking for some advice. I'm new-ish to posting on reddit too, so I do hope this is an ok question to ask the community.
My wife (who took care of our finances and taught me as we went along as I'm not from an investing-savy family/culture) passed away from cancer. I would not call myself an investing novice, but, to be honest, have no confidence in my own choices (hello grief), especially because I don't have anyone in my immediate family or circle of friends who I could ask for some advice or just bounce ideas.
I'm 42 yo, now widowed, and received around 250k cash from a life insurance. I have no idea how to invest it and it's really stressful. I have a work 401k (with Fidelity), a traditional IRA, a brokerage account, a savings and investment plan aka former work 401k (all with Vanguard), and an E-Trade account. I don't own much individual stock, mostly ETFs and retirement mutual funds. I think it would make most sense to invest with Vanguard to have it all under one roof, but I don't know how to start as in what ETFs (I imagine?) I should buy. It feels "scary" to move/invest so much money (at least it is for me) all at once. I'm also unsure about whether to move it to my brokerage or traditional IRA? I earn too much to qualify for a Roth IRA.
My wife didn't believe in financial advisors (she was also an Economist) as they cannot promise to "beat the market" and she felt that investing, diversifying a little and letting it sit was the best approach. Now that I am educating myself, I have found myself here with you Bogleheads more and more, feeling that your approach resonates with me and with my wife's approach. I will continue to educate myself (also any book or resource tips are welcome!) and I'd appreciate any pointers as to where to even start. Also, if people feel different about getting a financial advisor, please share too. I looked some up and the fee they're asking for to help with some financial planning seems so high, but I also have no experience with financial advisors. I don't think I want someone managing my money, as I want to learn this, but I'm looking for some first step advice about where to move this money.
Appreciate any thoughts and ideas!