What is the smartest first move when a large windfall lands in my account?

Slow down. The best first step with a bonus, inheritance, settlement, or other windfall is to do nothing for a few weeks; park it in a high-yield savings account and resist any big decisions while the emotion settles. Then work a simple priority order: set aside any taxes you may owe, top off your emergency fund, knock out high-interest debt, and only then deploy the rest toward long-term goals like maxing tax-advantaged accounts or a down payment. Avoid the common mistakes of a sudden lifestyle jump, a rushed large purchase, or lending it to everyone who asks. A modest planned treat is fine and helps you stick to the plan. If the sum is life-changing, a one-time consultation with a fee-only fiduciary advisor is worth it. The Lifetime Wealth tool at wealthserene.com/tools/lifetime-wealth can show the long-run impact of investing it.