Mar 2008 received 100k inheritance, am over 55--
--this market is terribly intimidating for investment, so forgoing ROTH IRA for IRA.
This is 6k sheltered.
What other shelters are available that are not tied to this market?
Can purchasing an RV shelter income/inheritance? I've heard they qualify as first/second homes.?
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Carol

Any amount or property you inherit is not taxable to you.

For more information read: Your U.S. Tax Return: Tax on Inheritances

I don't follow your question. You can't just roll an inherited IRA into another investment without paying income taxes on the amount you withdraw. So it makes most sense to roll the inherited IRA into your own rollover IRA account. As for what investments to chose in that IRA - despite the current market conditions you should be thinking long term investments, so a good mix of assets in stocks, bonds, and cash is (as always) recommended. Also, if you inherited an IRA from someone other than your spouse there are some pretty stringent rules that require you to start taking withdrawals from the IRA, and you will have to pay income tax on those withdrawals.

As for deducting costs of an RV - you can deduct interest payments (as long as the mobile home is the collateral for the loan) - that's about it. Don't expect it to appreciate in value, so you won't get the capital gain exclusion benefit that a traditional primary home would most likely enjoy.