I read your initial investment advice query from 6 months ago. That's really fantastic. I hope you didn't listen to the people telling you to put $10 million in Vanguard ETF's. Some, sure, maybe even a few million. All, NO! Buy government securities in varying maturities so that the funds aren't in cash, but as they do turn to cash slowly you can put them to work in other places. Presumably you researched a bit and found a good adviser to assist you. All I can say is don't be afraid to pay someone a fee if they can clearly explain how they will help you earn more money. There are too many opportunities out there for HNW folks that aren't available to the rest of society, that offer superior risk/reward scenarios. Of course, take it slow and read everything, and don't be afraid to say 'no'. But, have an open mind. Wealthy people don't buy stocks...remember that. Stocks are for everyone else, not you, and definitely not for most of your portfolio. Private investments in real estate and companies are where wealthy people become more wealthy, coupled with safety in government bonds and such. Look at Berkshire Hathaway, it's essentially a publicly traded hedge/private equity fund.
The key to staying wealthy is remaining debt free. You can ride out all the bumps and bruises throughout your life if you can keep away from leveraging yourselves. I personally am a lender to people who fix and flip homes. If I lend someone $150k and the market takes a shit I will likely be forced to take the collateral back if my borrower can't perform. Maybe now my investment is only worth $100k, so on paper I've lost $50k. But I haven't really lost anything. I have a house that I can put a renter in. I can hold on to that property until the market comes back and either I can continue cash flowing the property or I can sell it. Who cares about market value when you retain an asset that has intrinsic value!? I don't leverage myself so nobody will every be able to take those assets from me.
Sorry for intruding. I saw all of those comments and I had to say something. You and your wife are very sweet to make the offer you did. Cheers to doing good! I'm sure you're taken care of by now by some very qualified folks. But, if you still have any questions, I'm happy to share my thoughts. I'm not a brazillionaire by any means but I have been in the financial services world long enough to know that the stock market is a casino where the house always earns their nut, and over time you won't. I've also been in the private world for many years and I can tell you that alternative investments, if you look hard enough and open yourself up to being educated on prospective investment, can be less risky and offer superior returns. I'm not even saying that I believe you need to make decisions as soon as you receive the funds, but start learning. Even if you don't pull the trigger on anything for 10 years, start talking to people and learning about who's out there looking for some money. Restaurateurs, construction companies, tech startups, real estate developers, etc., there is no shortage of folks out there looking for money. Find the people who can help you sift the wheat from the chaff. Those are CPA's, business valuation professionals, etc. Be willing to pay good people to do good work and you will be rewarded. It's like in business, you have to spend money to make money, or don't step over dollars to pick up dimes.
Again, sorry for the intrusion and for the rant. Peace.