If you are not prepared to lose it all (everything is a calculated risk) then put it in a bank and earn 6% interest. Else if you want bigger money, invest in both shares and a website. For $5,000 you should pick up a website which makes $500 a month. In 10 months you'll have your money back plus be earning $500 extra a month. Oh, and however much you make using the other $5,000! If you want to add my msn, I'm making a business plan which will be finished in a few days. You can have a look over it