>>>The only major thing I would do differently would be to have a better
understanding of personel financial situation as to how my lump sum
pension would be invested and all options available.
I agree. I attended an investment seminar sponsored by my employer
before I retired and got hooked by a Wise financial planner, who
convinced me investing is too complex for an untrained individual.
Since finding the Fool, I've changed my mind and am opening my own
brokerage account and will be moving out of the loaded, overpriced,
under-performing mutual funds I'm currently in.
Study, study, study. Read the thirteen steps and do it yourself<<<

Congratulations Bob, it's great hearing from someone that is doing their own investing. Financial Planners (FP) can be helpful, but my problem with most "FP" is thet they sell what gets them the most commission, and sometimes that is not the best for the client. Also, most FPs don't do any investigating funds or stocks, but rather sell what they are told to sell.

LOL...TiggerToo