So I'm still in bankruptcy, yet managed to get a Capital One unsecured card that graduates soon, and a secured Discover card that may unsecure at some point in the future, plus a secured loan paid back to 5% owing. All of them may crumble soon with discharge, but don't really care at this point - they served their purpose.
After the bankruptcy filing and meeting, I got an unexpected health insurance reimbursement (from something I emptied my retirement accounts to pay) and not subject to clawback by trustees or former creditors. I immediately played rollover with my sacrificed IRA and got free stock trades for years as a Scottrade refugee at Schwab. I've also used YNAB and spent below my means, easier now that I have 5 roommates and I'm still buying food like I was prior to filing (mmmm, more reconstituted dried beans and rice). I wish I could pay creditors back, but the sum received wouldn't pay a single hospital bill.
So what do I do with the rest of this five digit lump that may need to pay for surgery within a year? I need to preserve capital with a short timeframe, thus stocks and bonds, even CDs are out.
Should I:
Chase bank account opening bonuses (Locally $300, maybe PNC $400)?
Try Discover's cashback debit card, 1% on purchases, like a $6000 surgery (well, $3000 limit or such, more if I make payments to the doctors)?
Research highest available interest rate checking accounts?
I know most ideas lose vs. inflation, but, I'm going to need the cash fairly soon (months to a year), which has run me out of ideas.
Your thoughts are appreciated.
